"Pack71.exe"

From: JA (anonymous_at_discussions.microsoft.com)
Date: 02/11/04 

Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2004 10:09:15 -0800

Anyone know anything about "Pack71"?

I got an email which appeared to an official Microsoft
mailing in html format with Microsoft header and
everything, from a sender called "Public Assistance". The
text of the message read:

"this is the latest version of security update,
the "February 2004, Cumulative Patch" update which fixes
all known security vulnerabilities affecting MS Internet
Explorer, MS Outlook and MS Outlook Express as well as
three newly discovered vulnerabilities. Install now to
continue keeping your computer secure from these
vulnerabilities, the most serious of which could allow an
attacker to run code on your computer. This update
includes the functionality of all previously released
patches."

The message had an attachment called "Pack71.exe" (106
KB). I am suspicious of ANY email that contains an .exe
attachment. If it was an offical Microsoft email, why
wouldn't the sender simply point the recipient to a web
link to download the latest patch, rather than including
it as an attachment?

I did a search on the web and on Microsoft
for "Pack71.exe" and turned up nothing. I went to
Microsoft's Security web site, ran a security check for
Windows, and it turned up 1 critical update that it needed
(there was no mention of Pack71.exe). After installing
the update, I ran the test again, the install appeared
successful and it told me that "there were no critical
updates to install."

Anybody know of Pack71.exe or where on the web that I can
get information about it?

Sorry about the lengthy post. Any information would be
appreciated.

Thanks,
JA