Microsoft said Thursday it is kicking off 2009 with a single Windows security update for its Patch Tuesday security bulletin release, repairing a critical error that could allow hackers to launch malicious attacks on users’ computers.

The solitary error, which Microsoft is scheduled to fix on Tuesday, was given the maximum severity rating of “critical,” generally indicating that the vulnerability allows attackers to execute malicious code remotely in order to enter users’ computers and steal information.

Microsoft did not specify which holes will be plugged in its Windows operating systems, or how many errors the patch will fix. However, the company indicated that the patch affected numerous versions of Windows, including 2000, XP, Vista, Server 2003 and Server 2008.

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