If you’ve been ignoring the little yellow update notices provided by Windows, now might be a good time to finally acknowledge them and do some downloading.  One of the most recent patches addresses three vulnerabilities in Microsoft XML Core Services.

Security Bulletin MS08-069 is considered critical as a whole, and versions of operating systems including Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Windows 2000 are affected.  In the text of the bulletin, Microsoft acknowledged, “The most severe vulnerability could allow remote code execution if a user viewed a specially crafted Web page using Internet Explorer.”

There is some good news, though.  First, as you probably realized, this hasn’t been headline news, and so hackers don’t seem to be pounding at the vulnerabilities from every angle.  Then, most of the employees within any given organization don’t even appear to be at high risk, as Microsoft stated, “Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights.”

Finally, the update is of course free, and so is technical support (1-866-PCSAFETY) if you need it.

Microsoft gave credit to Gregory Fleischer, Stefano Di Paola, and Robert Hansen for first reporting the vulnerabilities, so we’ll direct a nod to these gentlemen here, too.

Altova has rolled out an integrated suite of XML, database, and UML tools in its Altova MissionKit.

The suite of software tools works with Microsoft Visual Studio; supports the Office Open XML (OOXML) file format in 2007 Microsoft Office documents; and provides functionality for querying, designing, and editing data across the Microsoft SQL Server and Microsoft Access platforms.

Altova says its MissionKit gives Microsoft .NET Framework-based developers access to a suite of feature -rich software tools.

The MissionKit is available in multiple configurations for XML developers and software architects. The kit includes Altova XMLSpy, MapForce, and StyleVision and options are available to add up to five more XML, database, and UML tools.

“For developers, software architects, and IT pros working with a range of technologies, including XML, databases, and UML, the Altova MissionKit makes it easier and more cost-effective with one integrated tool suite,” said Alexander Falk, President and CEO for Altova.

“The ability to work simultaneously within multiple products allows MissionKit users to take advantage of powerful features and functionality across the Altova product line, and at a significant cost savings. And with support for Microsoft’s SQL Server and Visual Studio, the MissionKit provides added benefits for .NET Framework-based developers.”

The Altova MissionKit includes up to eight products with pricing starting at $899.