Microsoft Security Advisory 2880823

Published: November 12, 2013 | Updated: May 18, 2016

Version: 2.0

Microsoft is announcing a policy change to the Microsoft Root Certificate Program. The new policy will no longer allow root certificate authorities to issue X.509 certificates using the SHA-1 hashing algorithm for the purposes of SSL and code signing after January 1, 2016. Using the SHA-1 hashing algorithm in digital certificates could allow an attacker to spoof content, perform phishing attacks, or perform man-in-the-middle attacks.

Recommendation. Microsoft recommends that certificate authorities no longer sign newly generated certificates using the SHA-1 hashing algorithm and migrate to SHA-2. Microsoft also recommends that customers replace their SHA-1 certificates with SHA-2 certificates at the earliest opportunity. Please see Windows Enforcement of Authenticode Code Signing and Timestamping for more information.

For more information about this issue, see the following references:

|General Information|Windows Enforcement of Authenticode Code Signing and Timestamping|

• Protect your PC
  We continue to encourage customers to follow our Protect Your Computer guidance of enabling a firewall, getting software updates and installing antivirus software. For more information, see Microsoft Safety & Security Center.

• Keep Microsoft Software Updated
  Users running Microsoft software should apply the latest Microsoft security updates to help make sure that their computers are as protected as possible. If you are not sure whether your software is up to date, visit Microsoft Update, scan your computer for available updates, and install any high-priority updates that are offered to you. If you have automatic updating enabled and configured to provide updates for Microsoft products, the updates are delivered to you when they are released, but you should verify that they are installed.

To improve security protections for customers, Microsoft provides vulnerability information to major security software providers in advance of each monthly security update release. Security software providers can then use this vulnerability information to provide updated protections to customers via their security software or devices, such as antivirus, network-based intrusion detection systems, or host-based intrusion prevention systems. To determine whether active protections are available from security software providers, please visit the active protections websites provided by program partners, listed in Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP) Partners.

• You can provide feedback by completing the Microsoft Help and Support form, Customer Service Contact Us.

• Customers in the United States and Canada can receive technical support from Security Support. For more information, see Microsoft Help and Support.
• International customers can receive support from their local Microsoft subsidiaries. For more information, see International Support.
• Microsoft TechNet Security provides additional information about security in Microsoft products.

The information provided in this advisory is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. Microsoft disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall Microsoft Corporation or its suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever including direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, loss of business profits or special damages, even if Microsoft Corporation or its suppliers have been advised of the possibility of such damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages so the foregoing limitation may not apply.

• V1.0 (November 12, 2013): Advisory published.
• V2.0 (May 18, 2016): Advisory updated to provide links to the current information regarding the use of the SHA1 hashing algorithm for the purposes of SSL and code signing. For more information, see Windows Enforcement of Authenticode Code Signing and Timestamping.

Page generated 2016-05-18 10:03-07:00.