Hackers exploit new Word attack

Hackers are exploiting a new, unpatched vulnerability in Microsoft Word that could allow them to take control of a victim's computer, Symantec has warned.

The zero-day vulnerability is the fourth in Microsoft's widely-used Word 2000 software that has not yet been patched, Symantec said in its Security Response Weblog.

A zero-day vulnerability refers to a security hole for which exploits are already available when it was discovered. This latest one affects most versions of Windows running Word, Symantec's advisory said.