Microsoft has released new software patches for its Internet Explorer Web browser, including a fix for a flaw that allowed hackers to target computer users since early June. All three of the flaws addressed are labeled as critical in Microsoft Security Bulletin MS04-025, meaning Microsoft believes they can be easily exploited by an Internet worm to infect personal computers running various versions of the company's Windows operating system. "The company issued the patches outside of its regular monthly release schedule because of the severity of the threat, said Stephen Toulouse, program manager for Microsoft's security response center. The patches can be downloaded at www.microsoft.com/security.