Microsoft admits security flaws in Excel

A flaw in Microsoft Corp.’s Excel spreadsheet could allow criminals to remotely control a computer, the company confirmed Monday.

Microsoft, the world’s biggest software maker, is aware of just one case in which a user was attacked via the vulnerability, according to an online posting by Mike Reavey, the company’s lead security program manager.

In order to become infected, a person must open a maliciously formatted Excel document that is sent via e-mail or other means. The malicious code runs when the spreadsheet is opened. The infection makes it possible for a person to steal passwords, bank accounts and other sensitive information and to use the computer to send spam and carry out other illegal activities.

The advisory, which Microsoft issued last week, came days after it issued patches for 21 vulnerabilities in products ranging from its Windows operating system to Office, its bundle of software for word processing, e-mail and other programs.

It came a month after the Redmond, Wash.-based company confirmed a flaw in Word, its word processing program.

“Microsoft said Monday it plans to release the official version of its new instant messaging product, Windows Live Messenger.

The service, which had been available in test form, will launch today.

Windows Live Messenger is an upgrade to MSN Messenger, the previous name for the software maker’s tool for quickly communicating online. Such products have become incredibly popular for a wide variety of audiences, from teens to business people.

Competitors including market leader AOL also are increasingly adding such functions.

“Nike Inc. on Monday said its board of directors had approved a four-year, $3 billion share repurchase program.

The athletic shoe and apparel company said it expects to complete its previous four-year, $1.5 billion share repurchase program over the next few weeks — two years ahead of schedule.

Nike has about 194.7 million shares outstanding.

“Nokia Corp. and Siemens AG said Monday they will combine their network equipment units in a reported $30 billion joint venture to more effectively take on market leader LM Ericsson.

The combination — to be called Nokia Siemens Networks — would create one of the largest players in the industry, with $20 billion in annual sales. Besides Ericsson, it also puts pressure on Lucent, Alcatel, Motorola and Nortel Networks.