Meet KB3123862, yet another mysterious patch released by Microsoft just few days ago. Why mysterious and why ‘yet another’?
Because of Microsoft’s established demeanor when it comes to publishing details about the updates they release.
Here’s what the official ‘knowledge base’ article says about KB3123862:
Updated capabilities to upgrade Windows 8.1 and Windows 7. The update adds capabilities to some computers that lets users easily learn about Windows 10 or start an upgrade to Windows 10.
And that’s about it.
Get to Know Windows 10
Should We Fear KB3123862?
KB3123862 is currently being pushed as an optional, unchecked update that can be located in Windows Update. However harmless and ‘nontoxic’ it may seem, KB3123862 looks a lot like another patch that caused many people many headaches – KB 3035583.
Let’s refresh our memory and revise KB 3035583. The very first thing that pops up is that the patch was often referred to as ‘nagware’. As we already wrote not too many moons ago, KB 3035583 recently headed to domain-joined PCs running Windows 7 and Windows 8.1.
In regards of the KB3123862 patch, the KB article doesn’t provide any details regarding the specifications of the machines which will be getting it, or how. If the update is installed, however, it may create copies of the following processes, as pointed out by InfoWorld:
- Explorer.exe, Windows File Explorer, ExplorerFrame.dll;
- Shell32.dll, the heart of the Windows interface;
- Authui.dll, which controls logins.
In translation, the innocent looking KB3123862 is actually KB 3035583’s evil twin. Another similarity between the two patches is the way they were first introduced to the Windows world – both as an option, unchecked patch. KB 3035583 itself was initially released as an insipid notification, saying that:
Update enables additional capabilities for Windows Update notifications in Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 SP1.
KB3123862 is still very quiet but it is probably just a matter of days before it reveals its true nature.
Milena Dimitrova
An inspired writer and content manager who has been with SensorsTechForum since the project started. A professional with 10+ years of experience in creating engaging content. Focused on user privacy and malware development, she strongly believes in a world where cybersecurity plays a central role. If common sense makes no sense, she will be there to take notes. Those notes may later turn into articles! Follow Milena @Milenyim
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