Microsoft to issue eight patches next week

Microsoft will release eight security fixes to its Windows system next Tuesday as part of its monthly patching cycle.

At least one of the fixes has been deemed “critical” by Microsoft, which usually means the flaw allows remote attackers to take over a PC without any user interaction.

Microsoft also said there would be an “important” fix to a problem relating to the way Windows works with its Exchange e-mail server.

The company did not say whether any patches would be released to fix holes in Internet Explorer that have been reported by security researchers in recent weeks.

Microsoft had planned to issue only one fix in its monthly patching cycle in September, but pulled the Windows patch after “quality issues” with the software were discovered.

It is not clear whether last month’s proposed patch will be re-issued this month.