Techwatch

On this page NDSL will provide technical information regarding standards testing as well as Microsoft Windows Update information and compatibility information. These are generally updated the first Tuesday of the month following the update to allow us to complete our work and for corrections from Microsoft.

Date	Type	Outcome
6/16/08	Windows XP Service Pack (SP) 3 – Released 5/6/2008	Service Pack 3 has installed successfully on 75% of systems tested. On the systems that are now running Windows XP SP3, Cellwatch operates normally. At present, it is not recommended to download SP3 for the Cellwatch system, unless required to do so. The SP3 update is a cumulative update that installs previously released updates that have been made available since the release of Service Pack 2. If, and only if, SP3 must be installed, it is recommended that the larger (~310MB) installer be downloaded. This can be found at Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for IT Professionals and Developers. Download directly to the IBMU or copy the installer to the IBMU from a USB memory device. The install will take approximately 1 hour to 1.5 hours, and may require multiple reboots to install properly. 100% of updates with this installer have been successful. The Service Pack available for download through the Windows Update website (~65MB) is not recommended for download. While 75% systems are able to successfully download and install the 65MB version from Windows Update, the installer and its effects on the system are not reliable enough for Cellwatch Standards. At present, do not download the SP3 update unless it is absolutely necessary.
6//16/08	KB951698 and KB950760	These updates are not recommended for the Cellwatch system. They address issues with the Direct Show software (not used on the Cellwatch system) and an issue with ActiveX controllers. Cellwatch systems should not be used to browse the internet. The above updates are not recommended.
6/16/08	KB890830, KB950762, and KB951376	These updates aid in the removal of malicious software as well as securing your Cellwatch system to prevent lockups during battery monitoring if your system is remotely attacked. This update is recommended for the Cellwatch system.
12/10/07	KB110806	With the forthcoming launch of the new Cellwatch.NET application (Email Alert replacement), we are moving this update to the recommended category. This update addresses many security issues with the Microsoft .NET 2.0 Framework, approximately 30+ updates are included in this Service Pack. Cellwatch .NET will require the .NET 2.0 Framework to operate. This update ensures that the .NET framework is as secure as possible. Note: This update will require a computer reboot when finished installing. This update is recommended for the Cellwatch system.
3/11/08	KB890830	This update addresses an ever-growing issue with malicious software on the internet. Cellwatch recommends downloading and installing this update. This update removes any potentially harmful software that may have migrated onto your system by being connected to and by browsing the internet. This update does not require a system reboot unless harmful software is found. Note: Cellwatch systems should not be used to browse the internet. These updates have been tested and are compatible withr the Cellwatch system.
3/11/08	KB892130	This update is not necessary, but is approved should you consider downloading it. This update is a validation tool that will check to see if your copy of Windows XP Pro is a valid and Microsoft approved installation. All Cellwatch systems are shipped with a legal copy of Microsoft Windows installed. Your license information is affixed to the IBMU and the Windows Installation CD is provided with the software package located in the IBMU carton These updates have been tested and are compatible withr the Cellwatch system.
2/13/2008	KB944533, KB946026, KB890830, KB941644, KB942763, KB937894, KB933729	The updates address issues such as IE6.0 security, web client procedures, malicious software removal tools, and TCP/IP vulnerabilities. These updates have been tested with the Cellwatch system. After installing these updates, you will be required to reboot your system. These updates are recommended for the Cellwatch system.
2/13/2008	KB943055, KB941569, KB942840, KB943485, KB941568, KB944653, KB943460, KB941202	These updates address vulnerabilities within Outlook Express, Windows Media controls, IE7 updates, Ajax interface and LSASS. Many of these updates address software that is not installed nor intended to be used on the Cellwatch system. Cellwatch systems should not be used for browsing the internet. The above updates are not recommended.
9/19/2007	890830, 933360	These updates help remove dangerous software (malicious software) from your system as well as keep you system updated with the latest in the Daylight Savings Time revisions. These updates have been tested and are approved for Cellwatch.
7/17/2007	929123, 939373, 931212	These updates address issues with Windows Software that is not installed on Cellwatch Systems. These vulnerabilities are in the Windows Internet Information Services (IIS), Outlook Express, Windows Mail, and the .NET Framework. These updates are not recommended for the Cellwatch system.
7/17/2007	890830, 935839, 933566, and 935840	These updates address issues found in how Windows handles browsing the internet (vulnerabilities in the Win 32 API, and the Secure Channel Security Package) as well as issues within the Internet Explorer Browser. These updates have been tested and are recommended for the Cellwatch System.
5/17/2007	KB890830	Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool – May 2007 This update is recommended for the Cellwatch System.
5/17/2007	KB930916	This update addresses a Windows issue. This issue is caused by an object (typically a third party driver) that expects a non-null response from the drive, when the response is by design, is null. This update is recommended for Cellwatch systems, since the HDD in all systems is an NTFS file system. This update will require a restart of your system.
5/17/2007	MS07-027: Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer Version 1.2	This update addresses several issues with Internet Explorer. These issues address several memory corruption issues within routines such as: COM object handling, uninitialized memory utilization, property memory, HTML objects, and arbitrary file rewriting. This update is recommended since Cellwatch does utilize Internet Explorer for displaying Cellwatch Data. However, Cellwatch Systems should not be used to browse the internet.
5/17/2007	KB931768, 930916, 890830	These updates address several issues with Internet Explorer and one issue with Windows. These updates fix issues with memory corruption issues within Internet Explorer as well as how exceptions caused by third party drivers on Windows XP systems. These updates have been tested on the Cellwatch system and will require a system reboot when finished.
4/23/2007	931261; 928090; 905474	These updates address vulnerabilities, most notably a cumulative security update for Internet Explorer, an UPnP update for networked appliances and a Windows Validation Software. These updates will require the system to restart. These updates have been tested and are recommended for the Cellwatch System.
4/23/2007	925902; 931784; 930178; 932168	The updates address issues with multiple user login identities and issues with accessing malicious websites on the internet. Cellwatch systems should not have additional users installed on the operating system and should not be used for internet browsing. These updates are not recommended for the Cellwatch system.
2/21/2007	931836	This update is a patch that will change the Daylight Savings Time dates to reflect those that were signed into law in November 2006. The Microsoft web site for this patch is http://support.microsoft.com/kb/931836 This update has been tested with Cellwatch and is recommended.
2/21/2007	928255; 928090; 890830	These updates fix vulnerabilities identified within the Windows Shell and Internet Explorer, as well as remove malicious software. These updates have been tested with the Cellwatch System and are recommended.
2/21/2007	928843; 927802; 924667 927779; 918118; 926436	These updates are not recommended since they involve controllers and vulnerabilities that are exploited when the user browses the internet. Cellwatch systems should not be used for browsing the internet and these updates are not recommended.
1/23/2007	890830	This update is the Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool. This update is recommended for Cellwatch Systems since it looks for harmful files that can affect the Cellwatch operating system. This update has been tested with the Cellwatch system
1/23/2007	929969, 926255, 923694, 925398, 923689	Three of these updates affect preloaded Microsoft programs (Outlook Express, Windows Media Player) that are either disabled on Cellwatch Systems or not needed for their operation. Since this software are disabled, installing this update is not needed. The other two updates address issues where the system can be compromised via surfing the internet and a vulnerability that cannot be accessed remotely. Cellwatch Systems auto-boot to a pre-defined user account and should not be changed for any reason. Also Cellwatch systems should not be used for surfing the internet. Because these updates do not affect the Cellwatch System, they are not recommended updates.
11/22/2006	IE 7.0	The new version of Internet Explorer has not been fully evaluated with all Cellwatch components (CellWeb Server, Cellwatch Software, WebView etc). Until such time that it is fully evaluated. We do not recommend this upgrade at this time pending further testing.
11/22/2006	923789, 929213, 923980	The updates concern vulnerabilities relating to Adobe Reader and Flash Player, as well as Novell and Netware vulnerabilities. These updates are not recommended for the Cellwatch System
11/22/2006	890830, 924270, 922760	These updates relate to Internet Explorer 6.0 and a Windows workstation service. All the critical Windows XP updates have been tested with the Cellwatch System and are recommended.
9/19/2006	919007, 920685	These updates affect MSMQ and the Microsoft Indexing Service. MSMQ is not enabled on Cellwatch Systems by default. The Microsoft Indexing Service is not of concern for Cellwatch System. These updates are not recommended for the Cellwatch System
9/19/2006	890830, 922582	These updates contain a malicious software removal tool as well as an update that is needed to install newer security updates. This update has been tested and is recommended for Cellwatch Systems if security is of concern. Installing 922582 will require a system reboot
8/16/2006	921883, 890830, 918899, 917422, 920670, 920683, 921398, 922616, 920214, 917159, 916595, and 914388	All critical Windows XP updates released for August 2006 have been tested with the Cellwatch System. The updates will require a restart of the iBMU. These updates have been tested and are recommended for the Cellwatch System. They will require a reboot of the iBMU .
6/22/06	911280, 916281, 917953, 890830, and 914389	These updates address issues recognized by Microsoft that involve Remote Desktop, TCP/IP implementations and Internet Explorer. These updates have been tested and are recommended for the Cellwatch System.
6/22/06	917734, 918439, and 917344	The vulnerabilities addressed in these updates are not used as long as Cellwatch Systems are used for their intended purpose. These updates are not recommended for the Cellwatch System
5/11/2006	905474 – Windows Genuine Advantage Notification	All Cellwatch Systems are Genuine Windows Installations. If you question your installation, please install this update, but this update is not required to Cellwatch Systems to remain secure
5/11/2006	913433, 911567, 913580, and 911562	These updates are not required for the Cellwatch System. They address issues that do not appear if a Cellwatch System is used only for monitoring batteries. These updates are not recommended for the Cellwatch System
5/11/2006	912812 and 908531	These updates address critical issues and vulnerabilities in the Windows XP operating system and the Internet Explorer Browser. These updates have been tested and are recommended for the Cellwatch System.
3/6/2006	911565, 911564, 911927, 908519, and 912919	The updates addressed here relate to issues associated with Internet Browsing. Cellwatch systems should not be used for Internet Browsing. These updates are not recommended for the Cellwatch System.
3/6/2006	890830, 913446, and 905749	These updates remove malicious software as well as address issues associated with both network based attacks on workstations and issues associated with Windows Plug and Play. These updates have been tested and are recommended for the Cellwatch System.
12/14/2005	KB905915, KB904706	These updates are not recommended for Cellwatch Systems. A Cellwatch System is not to be used for Internet browsing. NDSL does not recommend the installation of these updates.
10/25/2005	Security updates for Internet Explorer and Direct Show (896688) and (904706	This update addresses vulnerabilities found in Internet Explorer and in Direct Show. The Cellwatch System is used and or configured in a way such that this feature and others are not used. These updates are not recommended for Cellwatch systems.
10/25/2005	Vulnerabilities in MSDTC and COM+ Could Allow Remote Code Execution (902400)	This update prevents helps prevent unauthorized users remotely logging into a system, as well as other security updates within Microsoft Windows XP. This update is recommended and will require a restart of the system.
8/12/2005	Recommended Updates: 899588; 899591; 890830 (malicious software removal)	Proper exploitation of the vulnerabilities addressed in 899588 and 899591 can cause serious problems with the Cellwatch System. These vulnerabilities can affect the communications issued between the iBMU and the CU, as well as, cause the system to lock and reset. Installing these updates will require a restart. These updates have been tested on Cellwatch and are recommended.
8/12/2005	896423; 896727; 893756; 899591; 899587	These updates are not recommended for the Cellwatch System. The system should not be used for internet browsing. Other issued addressed in these updates include Printer Services and various server features in Windows XP.
6/16/2005	Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer (883939) and (896358)	This update is not recommended for Cellwatch Systems. A Cellwatch System is not to be used for Internet browsing. NDSL does not recommend the installation of these updates.
6/16/2005	Windows Update 896422	Vulnerability in Server Message Block Could Allow Remote Code Execution. When access ports are changed, new vulnerabilities are opened. With pcAnywhere, new ports are opened to the network; this update will ensure their safety from an attack. This update has been tested and is recommended for the Cellwatch System.
5/19/2005	Windows Update: K893803	This installer is used on Windows Server 2003 SP1. It is now being made available for all other windows systems 2000 and up. This update is not required for Cellwatch operation. NDSL does not recommend the installation of these updates.
4/18/2005	Updates: 890859; 892944; 893086	These three updates affect vulnerabilities that do not threaten Cellwatch systems in their normal mode of use. NDSL does not recommend the installation of these updates.
4/18/05	Vulnerabilities in TCP/IP Could Allow Remote Code Execution and Denial of Service (893066) Version 1.0	The vulnerability prevents malformed TCP packets from resetting the internet connection by changing the validation process. During the reset, the hacker can elevate their user rights. This update is recommended because of the extensive connection capability Cellwatch systems have with networks or potentially the Internet. This update has been tested with Cellwatch and has no detrimental effect. This update has been tested and is recommended for the Cellwatch System
4/18/05	Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer (890923) Version 1.0	This update addresses three types of memory corruption (DHTML, URL, and Content Advisor) that have been identified as critical issues in Internet Explorer. This update has been tested with Cellwatch and has no detrimental effect . This update has been tested and is recommended for the Cellwatch System
2/11/05	Remote code execution via hyperlink object library 888113	It is unlikely that this exploit could be used to compromise a Cellwatch system but the patch has been tested and has no detrimental effect on Cellwatch. This update has been tested and is recommended for the Cellwatch System
2/11/05	Malicious Software Removal Tool 890830	This update has been tested with Cellwatch and has no detrimental effect. This update has been tested and is recommended for the Cellwatch System
2/11/05	Windows Updates: 888302, 887472, 885250, 891782, 867282, 873333	These updates are not required for the normal operation of a Cellwatch System. These updates affect programs that include Microsoft Office programs, Windows (Microsoft) Messenger, and others. NDSL does not recommend the installation of these updates.
1/14/2005	HTML Help vulnerability (890175) Icon and Cursor vulnerability.	Cellwatch or EmailAlert do not use HTML Help therefor there is no requirement to install this update. The Icon and cursor vulnerability does not affect WindowsXP Service Pack (SP) 2. All users who are concerned about security on a network should ensure SP2 is installed. NDSL does not recommend the installation of these updates.
12/14/04	Word Pad, Hyper Terminal and Windows Kernel / LSASS	These three updates (885836, 873339 & 885835) affect vulnerabilities that do not threaten Cellwatch systems in their normal mode of use. Cellwatch users should not use Wordpad, Telnet (Hyper Terminal) or have lower level users authorized for access onto a Cellwatch system. NDSL does not recommend the installation of these updates.
11/30/04	.Explorer update	Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer for Windows XP Service Pack 2 (KB834707) Version 1.1 This update was first issued October 12, 2004. The update has been revised to fix other identified security vulnerabilities that can ultimately affect your Cellwatch System. Some vulnerability issues that are fixed include CSS Heap Memory Corruption Vulnerabilities, Install Engine Vulnerabilities, and SSL Caching Vulnerabilities, to name a few. These vulnerabilities can allow an attacker to take complete control of your Cellwatch System, either through direct means, i.e. Install Engine, or through alternate methods, CSS Heap Memory Corruption. This update has been tested and is recommended for the Cellwatch System. Access to the internet or a network is required for the Browser Interface to properly work. This update can further protect the Cellwatch System from attack.
10/12/2004	.Explorer update	This update fixes vulnerabilities discovered in Internet Explorer. These vulnerabilities can compromise the security of a Windows XP -SP2 computer and that included a Cellwatch system. This update has been tested and is recommended for the Cellwatch System
10/8/2004	.NET update	This update does not involve Cellwatch because the BMU (or iBMU) OS system is dedicated to Cellwatch. The .NET Framework updates are for systems that are used to write .NET code. The .NET Framework makes it easy to create powerful software for the Windows OS. The "Framework Update" updates files that are used to create the .NET programs to make them more secure and reliable. This update has been tested and is recommended for the Cellwatch System
9/17/2004	Windows Security Update	GDI+ Update. The GDI detection tool looks for out-of-date, and potentially unsafe, windows related files. GDI files are typically associated with .NET programs and the Windows Family Programs (Microsoft Office & Picture It!). If any out of date software are detected, a pop-up notice will prompt the user to update the software. This update is not required for proper operation of Cellwatch. Cellwatch does not use any .NET software or any Microsoft Office software. Recommendations. Downloading this update is NOT recommended for Cellwatch.
9/10/2004	SP2	Windows SP2. Cellwatch has been extensively tested with Windows XP-Pro, Service Pack 2. SP2 is seen as a valuable improvement to the security of Windows and hence to Cellwatch. Recommendations. All Network users should install this update as soon as possible. Add Cellwatch components and accessories to the firewall exceptions list. Include Cellwatch Web Server, Email-Alert (if fitted) or pcAnywhere (if used). Set Windows Update to Manual (default after SP2 is Automatic). Remove the Security Center from the start-up services.
8/4/2004	Anti-Virus	Cellwatch was tested with Norton Anti-virus SBE 8.1.0825 and performed well throughout the testing. No problems where noticed during the push of updated virus definitions. Cellwatch scans and discharges were run at the same time as virus definition uploads and virus scans. Cellwatch performance remained good. Norton Anti-virus (AV) was tested under the following conditions: 1. Cellwatch under normal operating settings 2. Cellwatch under single alarms 3. Cellwatch under multiple alarms 4. System begins discharge with/without a AV System Scan 5. System discharge during AV Live Update 6. Pushed AV update onto remote Cellwatch System from a Norton Server Tests were carried out on Cellwatch V2.5 and V3.1. This study was limited to evaluating Cellwatch performance with an Anti Virus program, we are unable to test how the system would react to an actual virus attack on a Cellwatch system equipped with or without AV software. Some updates to either the AV programs or the virus definition files may require that the system be restarted. Recommendations. Set AV updates to manual as updates may require system restart.