The (abbreviated ''MBSA'') is a tool put out by
Microsoft to help analyze
Security problems in
Microsoft Windows . It does this by scanning the system for security problems in Windows, Windows components such as the
IIS Web Server application, and
Microsoft Office . One example of an issue might be that permissions for one of the directories in the wwwroot folder of IIS could be set at too low a level, allowing unwanted modification of files from outsiders.
Versions 1.2.1 and below run on Windows 2000, XP, and 2003, provide support for IIS versions 5 through 6, SQL Server 7 and 2000,
Internet Explorer 5.01 and above, and Microsoft Office 2000 through 2003. Version 2.0 adds support for
Microsoft Office XP and any other software supported by
Windows Update .