News

Hackers Exploiting Windows XP Help Flaw

Microsoft today revised its security advisory on a Windows help function flaw, noting that the proof-of-concept code to exploit the flaw is now being used by hackers.

The flaw, described last week, just affects Windows XP systems. Microsoft ruled out earlier concerns that Windows Server 2003 might have been vulnerable, according to security advisory 2219475 revised on June 15, 2010.

"Microsoft is aware that proof-of-concept exploit code has been published for the vulnerability," the revised advisory now states. "Microsoft is also aware of limited, targeted active attacks that use this exploit code. Based on the samples analyzed, Windows Server 2003 systems are not currently at risk from these attacks."

The active attacks were also confirmed on Tuesday by software security firm Sophos. In a blog post, Sophos identified the malware as "Sus/HcpExpl-A," which is spreading through a compromised Web site. The malware will drop a Trojan (called "Troj/Drop-FS") on a user's computer.

Microsoft has published a Fix it solution that provides an automated workaround for the vulnerability. Otherwise, IT pros would need to unregister the HCP Protocol by editing the Windows Registry to ensure against possible attacks to Windows XP systems. The exploit requires the victim to click on a link in an e-mail or visit a specially crafted malicious Web page.

Microsoft is saying that it will provide any further details at its Microsoft Security Response Center blog or via its Twitter page. Possibly, the company could issue an out-of-band patch or wait to issue a fix with the next security update cycle in July. Microsoft hasn't rated the threat level of the flaw, but Sophos described it as "high."

Meanwhile, the security researcher who first disclosed details about the flaw, Tavis Ormandy, who works for Google, received additional criticism. Graham Cluley, a senior technology consultant at Sophos, chimed in that the five days notice given by Ormandy was insufficient for Microsoft to respond to a zero-day threat.

Ormandy responded to his critics on Twitter by stating that "those five days were spent trying to negotiate a fix within 60 days."

About the Author

Kurt Mackie is senior news producer for 1105 Media's Converge360 group.

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.