SHARE
Facebook X Pinterest WhatsApp

Microsoft Windows XP Security Issue Revealed by Google Engineer

Microsoft has issued a security advisory, saying it is investigating reports of a vulnerability in Windows XP and the operating system’s Windows Help and Support Center Function. Microsoft says the vulnerability could allow remote code execution if a user is lured to a web page or if a user clicks on a “specially crafted link” […]

Written By
thumbnail Jessica Davis
Jessica Davis
Jun 11, 2010
Channel Insider content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More

Microsoft has issued a security advisory, saying it is investigating reports of a vulnerability in Windows XP and the operating system’s Windows Help and Support Center Function.

Microsoft says the vulnerability could allow remote code execution if a user is lured to a web page or if a user clicks on a “specially crafted link” in an e-mail message.

Those reports that Microsoft says it is investigating came originally from Google. A Google engineer, Tavis Ormandy, posted a vulnerability report to the Full-Disclosure mailing list.   The disclosure was reportedly criticized by Microsoft and other engineers who said it did not follow the responsible disclosure etiquette promoted by Google and others.

Google and Microsoft have locked horns recently, with Google reportedly banning use of Microsoft operating systems by new hires at the company, citing security concerns, and instead giving them a choice of Linux-based PCs or Apple Macs. 

Subscribe to Channel Insider. Click here for our ultra-quick email newsletter registration form.

Recommended for you...

SailPoint Intros Accelerated Application Management Solution
Jordan Smith
Aug 22, 2025
ConnectWise Partners with Proofpoint on Security in Asio
Jordan Smith
Aug 22, 2025
RegScale CRO on Channel Growth in Risk & Compliance
Victoria Durgin
Aug 22, 2025
Manny Rivelo on Evolving Channel & How MSPs Can Get Ahead
Victoria Durgin
Aug 20, 2025
Channel Insider Logo

Channel Insider combines news and technology recommendations to keep channel partners, value-added resellers, IT solution providers, MSPs, and SaaS providers informed on the changing IT landscape. These resources provide product comparisons, in-depth analysis of vendors, and interviews with subject matter experts to provide vendors with critical information for their operations.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2025 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.