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Microsoft Security Bulletin MS02-060: Flaw in Windows XP Help and Support Center Could Enable File Deletion (Q328940)
Title: Flaw in Windows XP Help and Support Center Could Enable
File Deletion (Q328940)
Date: 16 October 2002
Software: Microsoft Windows XP
Impact: Delete files on the user's system
Max Risk: Moderate
Bulletin: MS02-060
A security vulnerability is present in the Windows XP version of Help
and Support Center, and results because a file intended only for use
by the system is instead available for use by any web page. The
purpose of the file is to enable anonymous upload of hardware
information, with the user's permission, so that Microsoft can
evaluate which devices users are not currently finding device drivers
for. This information is then used to work with hardware vendors and
device teams to improve the quality and quantity of drivers available
in Windows. By design, after attempting to upload an XML file
containing the hardware information, the system deletes it.
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So simply put MS "SPYWARE" has put its users in danger. Why does MS need to upload your hardware info, or any of your info anywhere from your pc without your permission? What else are they uploading? Your mailing address, so they can better serve you by selling it to computer manufacturers so they can flood you with junk mail. Better yet, they should just take your credit card number off of your pc, then upload new versions of MS products right onto your pc, and then you can be pleasantly surprised when you get the bill.