Microsoft Issues Patch for Flaw in Explorer

Microsoft Corp. issued a widely expected patch for its Internet Explorer browser, which was known to have a flaw that would let hackers take control of computers and distribute malicious software code.

The security warning, which Microsoft rated as critical, was issued as an extra bulletin ahead of its regular monthly security bulletin because of the serious risk to computers, the world’s largest software maker said.

Shares of Microsoft, based in Redmond, Wash., rose 1 cent to $28.49 on Nasdaq.