Microsoft to patch seven security issues with six bulletins

Microsoft next week plans to release six patches, including one for a "critical" vulnerability affecting all supported versions of the software giant's operating system.

In total, the seven flaws being fixed as part of Microsoft's monthly security update affect Windows, application development platform Visual Studio, and graphics software Expression Design.

The critical high-priority bulletin addresses a weakness in Windows that could lead to remote code execution.

“The fact that all modern versions of the Windows Server and the XP/Vista/7 operating systems can be remotely compromised makes Tuesday's ‘critical' Microsoft patch attractive to any hacker hoping to reverse engineer it," said Alex Horan, senior product manager of security intelligence at Core Security. "This is the holy grail of exploits."

The patches are due about 1 p.m. EST on Tuesday.