Computer code that exploits a "critical" Windows 2000 vulnerability has been released on the Internet, increasing the likelihood of attacks, experts warned Thursday.

The code takes advantage of a security hole in a key operating system component that routes file system and print requests called the "Workstation Service." On Windows 2000 systems, the flaw could be exploited via the Net by an anonymous attacker without any user interaction, raising the possibility of the arrival of a Zotob-like worm.

"Somebody could write a piece of code that targets Windows 2000, and that replicates itself, and then you would have a worm go around the Internet," said Monty IJzerman, senior manager in McAfee's Global Threat Group.

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