Barney's Blog

Blog archive

No Surprise: Exposed XP Flaw Now Exploited

On Monday I told you how Google publicly disclosed an XP Help flaw that had yet to be patched. As of then, there were no reported attacks, but I wondered aloud how long it would take to exploit this now well-known and understood hole.

It didn't take long -- Microsoft now says hackers are now going after the flaw which allows for remote code execution.

Some of you were on Google's side, arguing that Microsoft has no real motivation to fix a hole if no one knows about it. Others believe it is irresponsible to tell hackers how they attack our software. The latter group seems to have some pretty good evidence on their side.

What is your take? Let me know at [email protected].

Posted by Doug Barney on June 18, 2010


Featured

  • Microsoft Offers Support Extensions for Exchange 2016 and 2019

    Microsoft has introduced a paid Extended Security Update (ESU) program for on-premises Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, offering a crucial safety cushion as both versions near their Oct. 14, 2025 end-of-support date.

  • An image of planes flying around a globe

    2025 Microsoft Conference Calendar: For Partners, IT Pros and Developers

    Here's your guide to all the IT training sessions, partner meet-ups and annual Microsoft conferences you won't want to miss.

  • Notebook

    Microsoft Centers AI, Security and Partner Dogfooding at MCAPS

    Microsoft's second annual MCAPS for Partners event took place Tuesday, delivering a volley of updates and directives for its partners for fiscal 2026.

  • Microsoft Layoffs: AI Is the Obvious Elephant in the Room

    As Microsoft doubles down on an $80 billion bet on AI this fiscal year, its workforce reductions are drawing scrutiny over whether AI's ascent is quietly reshaping its human capital strategy, even as official messaging avoids drawing a direct line.