Microsoft is alerting users of its operating systems that a bug, which it has since released patches for, could be used as a cyber-weapon similar to the WannaCry worm, according to The Wall Street Journal.
In a blog post released May 14, Microsoft said the vulnerability affects older Windows operating systems, including Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, Windows 3 and Windows XP. While Microsoft doesn't typically patch bugs in its older systems, the company released fixes for all of the systems affected.
There has been no indication that hackers have taken advantage of the vulnerability. However, Microsoft said it is "highly likely" the flaw will be exploited by malicious software, WSJ reports.
"Future malware that exploits this vulnerability could propagate from vulnerable computer to vulnerable computer in a similar way as the WannaCry malware spread across the globe," Microsoft said in the blog post.
Microsoft Windows 8 and Windows 10 users were not affected by the bug.
In recent weeks, there has been an emergence of companies disclosing vulnerabilities in their software. Intel disclosed issues with its microprocessor that could allow hackers to gain access to data on May 13. Facebook also patched a bug in its WhatsApp after disclosing that hackers were able to install spyware on users' phones.
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