Since this story was originally posted, additional information on where to download the ZERT patch has been added.A loosely-organized group of security researchers that go by the name Zeroday Emergency Response Team (ZERT) have released a patch for a bug that exploits vulnerabilities in Microsoft’s Internet Explore Web browser and Outlook application before the Redmond, Wash.-based software giant released it own official patch, the IDG News Service reports via PC World.ZERT released a patch for the Vector Markup Language (VML) vulnerability, according to the IDG News Service.Microsoft said it will issue a patch for the flaw on Oct. 10 when it releases its monthly set of security updates, the IDG News Service reports. On Friday, the Sans Internet Storm Center bumped up its security alert status concerning the vulnerability from green to yellow, signifying that the flaw is more commonly being exploited by hackers and other criminals looking to perpetrate crimes, according to the IDG News Service.“We think it’s great that there are people out there working to help protect out customers,” wrote Microsoft Security Response center operations manager Scott Deacon on a blog, the IDG News Service reports. “But as we’ve always said, we cannot endorse third party updates.” Security experts caution that the ZERT patch has not undergone widespread testing—as all Microsoft patches do before their releases—and could therefore lead to additional problems in the future, according to the IDG News Service.ZERT has said it will continue to release patches for Microsoft vulnerabilities, among others, whenever unpatched flaws become a “serious risk to the public, the infrastructure of the Internet, or both,” the IDG News Service reports.The ZERT patch can be downloaded here.Related Links: Microsoft IE Security Hole Could Go Global Microsoft IE Hit With New Zero Day Attack Microsoft Expects to Release Only Three Patches in Sept.This article is posted on our Microsoft Informer page. For more news on the Redmond, Wash.-based powerhouse, keep checking in.Check out our CIO News Alerts and Tech Informer pages for more updated news coverage. Related content brandpost Sponsored by Freshworks When your AI chatbots mess up AI ‘hallucinations’ present significant business risks, but new types of guardrails can keep them from doing serious damage By Paul Gillin Dec 08, 2023 4 mins Generative AI brandpost Sponsored by Dell New research: How IT leaders drive business benefits by accelerating device refresh strategies Security leaders have particular concerns that older devices are more vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks. By Laura McEwan Dec 08, 2023 3 mins Infrastructure Management case study Toyota transforms IT service desk with gen AI To help promote insourcing and quality control, Toyota Motor North America is leveraging generative AI for HR and IT service desk requests. By Thor Olavsrud Dec 08, 2023 7 mins Employee Experience Employee Experience Employee Experience feature CSM certification: Costs, requirements, and all you need to know The Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification sets the standard for establishing Scrum theory, developing practical applications and rules, and leading teams and stakeholders through the development process. By Moira Alexander Dec 08, 2023 8 mins Certifications IT Skills Project Management Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe