Microsoft pulls this Tuesday's patch

This week's "Patch Tuesday" was already going to be quiet, with an update only for Windows. But last Friday, Microsoft pulled that update, saying more testing is needed.

The software maker said in a statement on its website: "Late in the testing process, Microsoft encountered a quality issue that necessitated the update to go through additional testing and development before it is released."

The last-minute recall comes a day after Microsoft announced it would release on Tuesday one security bulletin that addresses an unspecified number of flaws in Windows. The bulletin was deemed "critical", meaning users would be at risk of a malicious internet worm attack which could spread without any user action. Critical is Microsoft's highest risk rating.

Microsoft releases patches every second Tuesday of the month so people can anticipate the patches. The company provides some information in advance on the Thursday before each Patch Tuesday to give an additional heads-up.

Microsoft has not specified the security bugs its planned Windows update would fix. Over the last few weeks, several security researchers have come forward with flaws in Internet Explorer, the web browser of Windows. Some of these vulnerabilities could let an attacker gain control of a user's PC.

In August, Microsoft released six security bulletins, including three deemed "critical" for Windows. Last month's Patch Tuesday also included a critical alert for Windows flaws. One of the flaws was exploited days later by the Zotob worm which wreaked havoc on Windows 2000 systems worldwide.

The postponed Windows patches are now likely to be released next month because Microsoft typically sticks to its monthly cycle. However, if deemed necessary to protect Windows users against attacks, the patch might be released sooner.

Joris Evers writes for CNET News.com