Security Bulletin

Microsoft Security Bulletin MS04-015 - Important

Vulnerability in Help and Support Center Could Allow Remote Code Execution (840374)

Published: May 11, 2004 | Updated: May 11, 2004

Version: 1.1

Issued: May 11, 2004
Updated: May 11, 2004
Version: 1.1

Summary

Who should read this document: Customers who use Microsoft® Windows®

Impact of Vulnerability:  Remote Code Execution

Maximum Severity Rating: Important

Recommendation: Customers should install the update at the earliest opportunity.

Security Update Replacement: None

Caveats: Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 841996 documents a known issue that customers may experience when they install this security update on a system where the Help and Support Center service is disabled. For the installation of this security update to be successful, the Help and Support Center service cannot be disabled. The article also documents recommended solutions for this issue. For more information, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 841996.

Tested Software and Security Update Download Locations:

Affected Software:

Non-Affected Software:

  • Microsoft Windows NT® Workstation 4.0 Service Pack 6a
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Service Pack 6a
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Terminal Server Edition Service Pack 6
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 2, Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 3, Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4
  • Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition (SE), and Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (ME)

The software in this list has been tested to determine if the versions are affected. Other versions either no longer include security update support or may not be affected. To determine the support lifecycle for your product and version, visit the following Microsoft Support Lifecycle Web site.

General Information

Executive Summary

Executive Summary:

This update resolves a newly-discovered vulnerability. A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the Help and Support Center because of the way that it handles HCP URL validation. The vulnerability is documented in the Vulnerability Details section of this bulletin.

If a user is logged on with administrative privileges, an attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could take complete control of an affected system, including installing programs; viewing, changing, or deleting data; or creating new accounts with full privileges. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer privileges on the system would be at less risk than users who operate with administrative privileges.

Microsoft recommends that customers install the update at the earliest opportunity.

Severity Ratings and Vulnerability Identifiers:

Vulnerability Identifiers Impact of Vulnerability Windows XP Windows Server 2003
Help and Support Center Vulnerability - CAN-2004-0199 Remote Code Execution Important Important
Aggregate Severity of All Vulnerabilities Important Important

This assessment is based on the types of systems that are affected by the vulnerability, their typical deployment patterns, and the effect that exploiting the vulnerability would have on them.

Does this update contain any other changes to functionality?
Yes. In addition to the changes that are listed in the Vulnerability Details section of this bulletin, this update includes the following changes in functionality:

  • Windows XP supports a feature that allows it to automatically offer a user an option to upgrade a DVD decoder. This feature has been removed to provide greater security and to prevent potential malicious use. Microsoft considers this to be a defense in depth measure that we are taking to provide additional protection against malicious use. Users who try to use this feature after they install the update will receive an error message that indicates that the system "Cannot display this page." Microsoft currently has plans to provide an improved version of this feature in a future service pack.
  • Microsoft has also made another defense in depth change that will have an affect on the Found New Hardware Wizard. The Help and Support Center has a feature that sometimes prompts users to send hardware profile information after they run the Found New Hardware Wizard. This feature has been removed. After users install the update, when the Found New Hardware Wizard finishes in these cases, they will receive an error message that indicates that the system "Cannot display this page."

Can I use the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) to determine if this update is required?
Yes. MBSA will determine if this update is required. For more information about MBSA, visit the MBSA Web site.

Note After April 20, 2004, the Mssecure.xml file that is used by MBSA 1.1.1 and earlier versions is no longer being updated with new security bulletin data. Therefore, scans that are performed with MBSA 1.1.1 or earlier after that date will be incomplete. All users should upgrade to MBSA 1.2 because it provides more accurate security update detection and supports additional products. Users can download MBSA 1.2 from the MBSA Web site. For more information about MBSA support, visit the following Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) 1.2 Q&A; Web site.

Can I use Systems Management Server (SMS) to determine if this update is required?
Yes. SMS can help detect and deploy this security update. For information about SMS, visit the SMS Web site.

Vulnerability Details

Help and Support Center Vulnerability - CAN-2004-0199:

A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the Help and Support Center because of the way that it handles HCP URL validation. An attacker could exploit the vulnerability by constructing a malicious HCP URL that could potentially allow remote code execution if a user visited a malicious Web site or viewed a malicious e-mail message. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could take complete control of an affected system. However, significant user interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability.

Mitigating Factors for Help and Support Center Vulnerability - CAN-2004-0199:

  • In a Web-based attack scenario, an attacker would have to host a Web site that contains a Web page that is used to exploit this vulnerability. An attacker would have no way to force users to visit a malicious Web site. Instead, an attacker would have to persuade them to visit the Web site, typically by getting them to click a link that takes them to the attacker's site. After they click the link, they would be prompted to perform several actions. An attack could only occur after they performed these actions.

  • By default, Outlook Express 6, Outlook 2002, and Outlook 2003 open HTML e-mail messages in the Restricted sites zone. Additionally, Outlook 98 and Outlook 2000 open HTML e-mail messages in the Restricted sites zone if the Outlook E-mail Security Update has been installed. The Restricted sites zone helps reduce attacks that could attempt to exploit this vulnerability.

    The risk of attack from the HTML e-mail vector can be significantly reduced if you meet all the following conditions:

    • Apply the update that is included with Microsoft Security Bulletin MS03-040 or a later Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer.
    • Use Internet Explorer 6 or later.
    • Use the Microsoft Outlook E-mail Security Update, use Microsoft Outlook Express 6 or later, or use Microsoft Outlook 2000 Service Pack 2 or later in its default configuration.
  • An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could gain the same privileges as the user. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer privileges on the system would be at less risk than users who operate with administrative privileges.

  • Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 2000 are not affected by this vulnerability.

Workarounds for Help and Support Center Vulnerability - CAN-2004-0199:

Microsoft has tested the following workarounds. While these workarounds will not correct the underlying vulnerability, they help block known attack vectors. When a workaround reduces functionality, it is identified below.

  • Unregister the HCP Protocol.

    To help prevent an attack, unregister the HCP Protocol by deleting the following key from the registry: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\HCP. To do so, follow these steps:

    1. Click Start, and then click Run.
    2. Type regedit, and then click OK. The registry editor program launches.
    3. Expand HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT, and then highlight the HCP key.
    4. Right-click the HCP key, and then click Delete.

    Note Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall Windows. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

    Impact of Workaround: Unregistering the HCP protocol will break all local, legitimate help links that use hcp://. For example, links in Control Panel may no longer work.

  • Install Outlook E-mail Security Update if you are using Outlook 2000 SP1 or earlier.

    By default, Outlook Express 6, Outlook 2002 and Outlook 2003 open HTML e-mail messages in the Restricted sites zone. Additionally, Outlook 98 and Outlook 2000 open HTML e-mail messages in the Restricted sites zone if the Outlook E-mail Security Update has been installed.

    Customers who use any of these products could be at a reduced risk from an e-mail-borne attack that tries to exploit this vulnerability unless the user clicks a malicious link in the e-mail message.

  • Read e-mail messages in plain text format if you are using Outlook 2002 or later, or Outlook Express 6 SP1 or later, to help protect yourself from the HTML e-mail attack vector.

    Microsoft Outlook 2002 users who have applied Office XP Service Pack 1 or later and Microsoft Outlook Express 6 users who have applied Internet Explorer 6 Service Pack 1 can enable this setting and view e-mail messages that are not digitally signed or e-mail messages that are not encrypted in plain text only.

    Digitally signed e-mail messages or encrypted e-mail messages are not affected by the setting and may be read in their original formats. For more information about enabling this setting in Outlook 2002, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 307594.

    For information about this setting in Outlook Express 6, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 291387.

    Impact of Workaround: E-mail messages that are viewed in plain text format will not contain pictures, specialized fonts, animations, or other rich content. In addition:

    • The changes are applied to the preview pane and to open messages.
    • Pictures become attachments so that they are not lost.
    • Because the message is still in Rich Text or HTML format in the store, the object model (custom code solutions) may behave unexpectedly.

FAQ for Help and Support Center Vulnerability - CAN-2004-0199:

What is the scope of the vulnerability?
This is a remote code execution vulnerability. If a user is logged on with administrative privileges, an attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could take complete control of an affected system, including installing programs; viewing, changing, or deleting data; or creating new accounts with full privileges. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer privileges on the system would be at less risk than users who operate with administrative privileges. However, significant user interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability.

What causes the vulnerability?
The process that the Help and Support Center uses to validate data input.

What is the Help and Support Center?
The Help and Support Center (HSC) is a feature in Windows that provides help on a variety of topics. For example, HSC can teach users about Windows features, how to download and install software updates, how to determine whether a particular hardware device is compatible with Windows, and how to receive help from Microsoft. Users and programs can use URL links to the Help and Support Center by using the "hcp://" prefix in a URL link instead of "https://."

What is the HCP protocol?
Similar to the way that the HTTP protocol can use execute URL links to open a Web browser, the HCP protocol can execute URL links to open the Help and Support Center feature.

What is wrong with the Help and Support Center?
An error in input validation occurs.

What might an attacker use the vulnerability to do?
An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could take complete control of an affected system, including installing programs; viewing, changing, or deleting data; or creating new accounts that have full privileges.

How could an attacker exploit this vulnerability?
To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would have to host a malicious Web site and then persuade a user to view that Web site. An attacker could also create an HTML e-mail message that has a specially crafted link, and then persuade a user to view the HTML e-mail message and then click the malicious link If the user clicked this link, a window could open with an HCP URL of the attacker's choice. However, at this point significant additional user interaction is required. After clicking the link, the user would be prompted to perform several actions. An attack could only occur after a user performed these actions.

What systems are primarily at risk from the vulnerability?
Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 contain the affected version of the Help and Support Center. Other platforms are not affected because they do not contain the Help and Support Center or because the nature of the vulnerability is different on those platforms.

I am running Internet Explorer on Windows Server 2003. Does Windows Server 2003 mitigate this vulnerability?
No. By default, Internet Explorer on Windows Server 2003 runs in a restricted mode that is known as the Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration. However, the HCP protocol is permitted to access the Help and Support Center by default. Therefore, Windows Server 2003 is vulnerable.

For more information about Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration, visit the following Web site.

What does the update do?
This update removes the vulnerability by modifying the validation of data that is passed to the Help and Support Center.

How does this vulnerability relate to the Help and SupportCenter vulnerability that is corrected by MS04-011?
Both vulnerabilities were in the Help and Support Center. However, this update corrects a new vulnerability that was not addressed as part of MS04-011. MS04-011 fully protects against the vulnerability that is discussed in that bulletin, but does not address this new vulnerability. This update does not replace MS04-011. You must install this update and the update provided as part of the MS04-011 security bulletin to be protected from both vulnerabilities.

When this security bulletin was issued, had this vulnerability been publicly disclosed?
No. Microsoft had not received any information indicating that this vulnerability had been publicly disclosed when this security bulletin was originally issued.

When this security bulletin was issued, had Microsoft received any reports that this vulnerability was being exploited?
No. Microsoft had not received any information indicating that this vulnerability had been publicly used to attack customers and had not seen any examples of proof of concept code published when this security bulletin was originally issued.

Security Update Information

Installation Platforms and Prerequisites:

For information about the specific security update for your platform, click the appropriate link:

Windows Server 2003 (all versions)

Prerequisites This security update requires a released version of Windows Server 2003.

Inclusion in Future Service Packs: The update for this issue will be included in Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1.

Installation Information

This security update supports the following setup switches:

/help                 Displays the command line options

Setup Modes

/quiet            Quiet mode (no user interaction or display)

/passive            Unattended mode (progress bar only)

/uninstall          Uninstalls the package

Restart Options

/norestart          Do not restart when installation is complete

/forcerestart      Restart after installation

Special Options

/l           Lists installed Windows hotfixes or update packages

/o          Overwrite OEM files without prompting

/n          Do not backup files needed for uninstall

/f           Force other programs to close when the computer shuts down

Note You can combine these switches into one command. For backward compatibility, the security update also supports the setup switches that the previous version of the setup utility uses. For more information about the supported installation switches, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 262841.

Deployment Information

To install the security update without any user intervention, use the following command at a command prompt for Windows Server 2003:

Windowsserver2003-kb840374-x86-enu /passive /quiet

To install the security update without forcing the system to restart, use the following command at a command prompt for Windows Server 2003:

Windowsserver2003-kb840374-x86-enu /norestart

For information about how to deploy this security update with Software Update Services, visit the Software Update Services Web site.

Restart Requirement

In some cases, this update does not require a restart. The installer stops the required services, applies the update, and then restarts the services. However, if the required services cannot be stopped for any reason or if required files are in use, this update will require a restart. If this occurs, a message appears that advises you to restart.

Removal Information

To remove this update, use the Add or Remove Programs tool in Control Panel.

System administrators can also use the Spuninst.exe utility to remove this security update. The Spuninst.exe utility is located in the %Windir%\$NTUninstallKB840374$\Spuninst folder. The Spuninst.exe utility supports the following setup switches:

/?: Show the list of installation switches.

/u: Use unattended mode.

/f: Force other programs to quit when the computer shuts down.

/z: Do not restart when the installation is complete.

/q: Use Quiet mode (no user interaction).

File Information

The English version of this update has the file attributes (or later) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in coordinated universal time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time tool in Control Panel.

Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition, Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition, Windows Server 2003 Web Edition, and Windows Server 2003 Datacenter Edition:

Date Time Version Size File name Platform Folder

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

15-Apr-2004 06:03 5.2.3790.161 782,848 Helpctr.exe x86 RTMGDR
15-Apr-2004 06:03 5.2.3790.161 10,240 Hscupd.exe x86 RTMGDR
15-Apr-2004 07:10 26,507 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\BR
15-Apr-2004 07:05 25,790 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\CHS
15-Apr-2004 07:05 25,754 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\CHT
15-Apr-2004 07:10 26,537 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\CS
15-Apr-2004 07:10 26,479 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\ES
15-Apr-2004 07:10 26,667 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\FR
15-Apr-2004 07:10 26,881 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\GER
15-Apr-2004 07:10 26,514 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\HU
15-Apr-2004 07:10 26,607 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\IT
15-Apr-2004 07:10 26,515 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\JPN
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,120 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\KOR
15-Apr-2004 07:10 26,724 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\NL
15-Apr-2004 07:10 26,691 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\PL
15-Apr-2004 07:10 26,544 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\PT
15-Apr-2004 07:10 26,508 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\RU
15-Apr-2004 07:10 26,514 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\SV
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,350 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\TR
15-Apr-2004 07:10 26,397 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\USA
15-Apr-2004 06:00 5.2.3790.161 782,848 Helpctr.exe x86 RTMQFE
15-Apr-2004 06:00 5.2.3790.161 10,240 Hscupd.exe x86 RTMQFE
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,507 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\BR
15-Apr-2004 07:05 25,790 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\CHS
15-Apr-2004 07:05 25,754 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\CHT
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,537 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\CS
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,479 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\ES
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,667 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\FR
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,881 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\GER
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,514 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\HU
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,607 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\IT
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,515 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\JPN
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,120 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\KOR
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,724 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\NL
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,691 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\PL
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,544 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\PT
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,508 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\RU
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,514 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\SV
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,350 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\TR
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,397 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\USA

Windows Server 2003 64-Bit Enterprise Edition and Windows Server 2003 64-Bit Datacenter Edition:

Date Time Version Size File name Platform Folder

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

11-Apr-2004 05:23 5.2.3790.161 2,062,336 Helpctr.exe IA-64 RTMGDR
11-Apr-2004 05:21 5.2.3790.161 21,504 Hscupd.exe IA-64 RTMGDR
15-Apr-2004 07:10 26,479 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\ES
15-Apr-2004 07:10 26,667 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\FR
15-Apr-2004 07:10 26,881 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\GER
15-Apr-2004 07:10 26,607 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\IT
15-Apr-2004 07:10 26,515 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\JPN
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,120 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\KOR
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,397 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\USA
11-Apr-2004 06:50 5.2.3790.161 2,062,336 Helpctr.exe IA-64 RTMQFE
11-Apr-2004 06:49 5.2.3790.161 21,504 Hscupd.exe IA-64 RTMQFE
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,479 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMQFE\ES
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,667 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMQFE\FR
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,881 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMQFE\GER
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,607 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMQFE\IT
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,515 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMQFE\JPN
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,120 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMQFE\KOR
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,397 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMQFE\USA

Note When you install this security update on Windows Server 2003 or on Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Version 2003, the installer checks to see if any of the files that are being updated on your system have previously been updated by a Microsoft hotfix. If you have previously installed a hotfix to update one of these files, the installer copies the RTMQFE files to your system. Otherwise, the installer copies the RTMGDR files to your system. For more information, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 824994.

Verifying Update Installation

To verify that a security update is installed on an affected system you may be able to use the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) tool, which allows administrators to scan local and remote systems for missing security updates and for common security misconfigurations. For more information about MBSA, visit the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer Web site.

You may also be able to verify the files that this security update has installed by reviewing the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Updates\Windows Server 2003\SP1\KB840374\Filelist

Note This registry key may not be created correctly if an administrator or an OEM integrates or slipstreams the 840374 security update into the Windows installation source files.

Windows XP (all versions)

Note For Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Version 2003, this security update is the same as the Windows Server 2003 64-Bit Edition security update.

Prerequisites This security update requires the release version of Windows XP or Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1). For more information, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 322389.

Inclusion in Future Service Packs: The update for these issues will be included in Windows XP Service Pack 2.

Installation Information

This security update supports the following setup switches:

/help               Displays the command line options

Setup Modes

/quiet            Quiet mode (no user interaction or display)

/passive            Unattended mode (progress bar only)

/uninstall          Uninstalls the package

Restart Options

/norestart          Do not restart when installation is complete

/forcerestart      Restart after installation

Special Options

/l           Lists installed Windows hotfixes or update packages

/o          Overwrite OEM files without prompting

/n          Do not backup files needed for uninstall

/f           Force other programs to close when the computer shuts down

Note You can combine these switches into one command. For backward compatibility, the security update also supports the setup switches that the previous version of the setup utility uses. For more information about the supported installation switches, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 262841.

Deployment Information

To install the security update without any user intervention, use the following command at a command prompt for Windows XP:

Windowsxp-kb840374-x86-enu /passive /quiet

To install the security update without forcing the system to restart, use the following command at a command prompt for Windows XP:

Windowsxp-kb840374-x86-enu /norestart

For information about how to deploy this security update with Software Update Services, visit the Software Update Services Web site.

Restart Requirement

In some cases, this update does not require a restart. The installer stops the required services, applies the update, and then restarts the services. However, if the required services cannot be stopped for any reason or if required files are in use, this update will require a restart. If this occurs, a message appears that advises you to restart.

Removal Information

To remove this update, use the Add or Remove Programs tool in Control Panel.

System administrators can also use the Spuninst.exe utility to remove this security update. The Spuninst.exe is located in the %Windir%\$NTUninstallKB840374$\Spuninst folder. The Spuninst.exe utility supports the following setup switches:

/? : Show the list of installation switches.

/u: Use unattended mode.

/f: Force other programs to quit when the computer shuts down.

/z: Do not restart when the installation is complete.

/q: Use Quiet mode (no user interaction).

File Information

The English version of this update has the file attributes (or later) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in coordinated universal time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time tool in Control Panel.

Windows XP Home Edition, Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 1, Windows XP Professional Service Pack 1, Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, and Windows XP Media Center Edition:

Date Time Version Size File name Folder

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

09-Apr-2004 19:56 5.1.2600.137 726,528 Helpctr.exe SP1
15-Apr-2004 21:36 26,172 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP1
27-Feb-2004 04:30 5.1.2600.134 16,896 Hscupd.exe SP1
27-Feb-2004 04:36 70,111 Hscxpsp1.cab SP1
15-Apr-2004 21:36 25,958 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP1\ARA
15-Apr-2004 21:25 10,469 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP1\ARA
15-Apr-2004 21:36 25,565 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP1\CHS
15-Apr-2004 21:25 10,469 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP1\CHS
15-Apr-2004 21:36 25,529 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP1\CHT
15-Apr-2004 21:25 10,469 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP1\CHT
15-Apr-2004 21:36 26,316 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP1\CSY
15-Apr-2004 21:26 10,469 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP1\CSY
15-Apr-2004 21:36 26,386 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP1\DAN
15-Apr-2004 21:26 10,469 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP1\DAN
15-Apr-2004 21:36 26,656 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP1\DEU
15-Apr-2004 21:26 10,469 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP1\DEU
15-Apr-2004 21:36 26,651 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP1\ELL
15-Apr-2004 21:26 10,469 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP1\ELL
15-Apr-2004 21:36 26,254 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP1\ESN
15-Apr-2004 21:26 10,469 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP1\ESN
15-Apr-2004 21:36 26,107 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP1\FIN
15-Apr-2004 21:26 10,469 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP1\FIN
15-Apr-2004 21:36 26,448 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP1\FRA
15-Apr-2004 21:26 10,469 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP1\FRA
15-Apr-2004 21:36 25,852 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP1\HEB
15-Apr-2004 21:26 10,469 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP1\HEB
15-Apr-2004 21:36 26,289 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP1\HUN
15-Apr-2004 21:26 10,469 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP1\HUN
15-Apr-2004 21:36 26,382 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP1\ITA
15-Apr-2004 21:26 10,469 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP1\ITA
15-Apr-2004 21:36 26,290 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP1\JPN
15-Apr-2004 21:26 10,469 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP1\JPN
15-Apr-2004 21:36 25,895 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP1\KOR
15-Apr-2004 21:26 10,469 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP1\KOR
15-Apr-2004 21:36 26,493 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP1\NLD
15-Apr-2004 21:26 10,469 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP1\NLD
15-Apr-2004 21:36 26,228 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP1\NOR
15-Apr-2004 21:26 10,469 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP1\NOR
15-Apr-2004 21:36 26,466 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP1\PLK
15-Apr-2004 21:26 10,469 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP1\PLK
15-Apr-2004 21:36 26,282 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP1\PTB
15-Apr-2004 21:25 10,469 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP1\PTB
15-Apr-2004 21:36 26,319 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP1\PTG
15-Apr-2004 21:26 10,469 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP1\PTG
15-Apr-2004 21:36 26,283 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP1\RUS
15-Apr-2004 21:26 10,469 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP1\RUS
15-Apr-2004 21:36 26,289 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP1\SVE
15-Apr-2004 21:26 10,469 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP1\SVE
15-Apr-2004 21:36 26,125 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP1\TRK
15-Apr-2004 21:26 10,469 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP1\TRK
15-Apr-2004 00:50 5.1.2600.1515 740,864 Helpctr.exe SP2
15-Apr-2004 08:26 26,173 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP2
11-Apr-2004 02:53 5.1.2600.1515 16,384 Hscupd.exe SP2
15-Apr-2004 08:26 25,959 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP2\ARA
15-Apr-2004 08:25 10,470 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP2\ARA
15-Apr-2004 08:26 25,566 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP2\CHS
15-Apr-2004 08:25 10,470 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP2\CHS
15-Apr-2004 08:26 25,530 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP2\CHT
15-Apr-2004 08:25 10,470 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP2\CHT
15-Apr-2004 08:26 26,317 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP2\CSY
15-Apr-2004 08:25 10,470 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP2\CSY
15-Apr-2004 08:26 26,387 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP2\DAN
15-Apr-2004 08:25 10,470 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP2\DAN
15-Apr-2004 08:26 26,657 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP2\DEU
15-Apr-2004 08:25 10,470 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP2\DEU
15-Apr-2004 08:26 26,652 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP2\ELL
15-Apr-2004 08:25 10,470 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP2\ELL
15-Apr-2004 08:26 26,255 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP2\ESN
15-Apr-2004 08:25 10,470 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP2\ESN
15-Apr-2004 08:26 26,108 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP2\FIN
15-Apr-2004 08:25 10,470 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP2\FIN
15-Apr-2004 08:26 26,449 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP2\FRA
15-Apr-2004 08:25 10,470 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP2\FRA
15-Apr-2004 08:26 25,853 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP2\HEB
15-Apr-2004 08:25 10,470 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP2\HEB
15-Apr-2004 08:26 26,290 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP2\HUN
15-Apr-2004 08:25 10,470 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP2\HUN
15-Apr-2004 08:26 26,383 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP2\ITA
15-Apr-2004 08:25 10,470 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP2\ITA
15-Apr-2004 08:26 26,291 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP2\JPN
15-Apr-2004 08:25 10,470 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP2\JPN
15-Apr-2004 08:26 25,896 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP2\KOR
15-Apr-2004 08:25 10,470 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP2\KOR
15-Apr-2004 08:26 26,494 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP2\NLD
15-Apr-2004 08:25 10,470 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP2\NLD
15-Apr-2004 08:26 26,229 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP2\NOR
15-Apr-2004 08:25 10,470 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP2\NOR
15-Apr-2004 08:26 26,467 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP2\PLK
15-Apr-2004 08:25 10,470 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP2\PLK
15-Apr-2004 08:26 26,283 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP2\PTB
15-Apr-2004 08:25 10,470 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP2\PTB
15-Apr-2004 08:26 26,320 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP2\PTG
15-Apr-2004 08:25 10,470 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP2\PTG
15-Apr-2004 08:26 26,284 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP2\RUS
15-Apr-2004 08:25 10,470 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP2\RUS
15-Apr-2004 08:26 26,290 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP2\SVE
15-Apr-2004 08:25 10,470 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP2\SVE
15-Apr-2004 08:26 26,126 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab SP2\TRK
15-Apr-2004 08:25 10,470 Hsc.system.scripts.common.js.cab SP2\TRK

Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Service Pack 1:

Date Time Version Size File name Platform Folder

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

11-Apr-2004 05:23 5.2.3790.161 2,062,336 Helpctr.exe IA-64 RTMGDR
11-Apr-2004 05:21 5.2.3790.161 21,504 Hscupd.exe IA-64 RTMGDR
15-Apr-2004 07:10 26,479 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\ES
15-Apr-2004 07:10 26,667 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\FR
15-Apr-2004 07:10 26,881 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\GER
15-Apr-2004 07:10 26,607 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\IT
15-Apr-2004 07:10 26,515 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\JPN
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,120 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\KOR
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,397 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\USA
11-Apr-2004 06:50 5.2.3790.161 2,062,336 Helpctr.exe IA-64 RTMQFE
11-Apr-2004 06:49 5.2.3790.161 21,504 Hscupd.exe IA-64 RTMQFE
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,479 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMQFE\ES
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,667 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMQFE\FR
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,881 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMQFE\GER
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,607 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMQFE\IT
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,515 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMQFE\JPN
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,120 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMQFE\KOR
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,397 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMQFE\USA

Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Version 2003:

Date Time Version Size File name Platform Folder

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

11-Apr-2004 05:23 5.2.3790.161 2,062,336 Helpctr.exe IA-64 RTMGDR
11-Apr-2004 05:21 5.2.3790.161 21,504 Hscupd.exe IA-64 RTMGDR
15-Apr-2004 07:10 26,479 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\ES
15-Apr-2004 07:10 26,667 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\FR
15-Apr-2004 07:10 26,881 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\GER
15-Apr-2004 07:10 26,607 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\IT
15-Apr-2004 07:10 26,515 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\JPN
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,120 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\KOR
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,397 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMGDR\USA
11-Apr-2004 06:50 5.2.3790.161 2,062,336 Helpctr.exe IA-64 RTMQFE
11-Apr-2004 06:49 5.2.3790.161 21,504 Hscupd.exe IA-64 RTMQFE
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,479 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMQFE\ES
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,667 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMQFE\FR
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,881 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMQFE\GER
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,607 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMQFE\IT
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,515 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMQFE\JPN
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,120 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMQFE\KOR
15-Apr-2004 07:05 26,397 Hsc.system.errors.connection.htm.cab RTMQFE\USA

Notes The Windows XP and Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Version 2003 versions of this security update are packaged as dual-mode packages, which contain files for both the original version of Windows XP and Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1). For more information about dual-mode packages, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 328848.

When you install the Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Version 2003 security update, the installer checks to see if any of the files that are being updated on your system have previously been updated by a Microsoft hotfix. If you have previously installed a hotfix to update one of these files, the installer copies the RTMQFE files to your system. Otherwise, the installer copies the RTMGDR files to your system. For more information, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 824994.

Verifying Update Installation

To verify that a security update is installed on an affected system you may be able to use the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) tool, which allows administrators to scan local and remote systems for missing security updates and for common security misconfigurations. For more information about MBSA, visit the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer Web site.

You may also be able to verify the files that this security update has installed by reviewing the following registry keys:

For Windows XP Home Edition, Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 1, Windows XP Professional Service Pack 1, Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Service Pack 1, Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, and Windows XP Media Center Edition:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Updates\Windows XP\SP2\KB840374\Filelist

For Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Version 2003:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Updates\Windows Server 2003\SP1\KB840374\Filelist

Note This registry key may not be created correctly if an administrator or an OEM integrates or slipstreams the 840374 security update into the Windows installation source files.

Other Information

Acknowledgments

Microsoft thanks the following for working with us to help protect customers:

  • Donnie Werner of ExploitLabs.com for reporting the DVD upgrade issue that has been addressed as part of this security update.

Obtaining Other Security Updates:

Updates for other security issues are available from the following locations:

Support:

  • Customers in the U.S. and Canada can receive technical support from Microsoft Product Support Services at 1-866-PCSAFETY. There is no charge for support calls that are associated with security updates.
  • International customers can receive support from their local Microsoft subsidiaries. There is no charge for support that is associated with security updates. For more information on how to contact Microsoft for support issues, visit the International Support Web site.

Security Resources:

Software Update Services:

By using Microsoft Software Update Services (SUS), administrators can quickly and reliably deploy the latest critical updates and security updates to Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003-based servers, and to desktop systems that are running Windows 2000 Professional or Windows XP Professional.

For more information about how to deploy this security update with Software Update Services, visit the Software Update Services Web site.

Systems Management Server:

Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) delivers a highly-configurable enterprise solution for managing updates. By using SMS, administrators can identify Windows-based systems that require security updates and to perform controlled deployment of these updates throughout the enterprise with minimal disruption to end users. For more information about how administrators can use SMS 2003 to deploy security updates, see the SMS 2003 Security Patch Management Web site. SMS 2.0 users can also use Software Updates Service Feature Pack to help deploy security updates. For information about SMS, visit the SMS Web Site.

Note SMS uses the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer and the Microsoft Office Detection Tool to provide broad support for security bulletin update detection and deployment. Some software updates may not be detected by these tools. Administrators can use the inventory capabilities of the SMS in these cases to target updates to specific systems. For more information about this procedure, see the following Web site. Some security updates require administrative rights following a restart of the system. Administrators can use the Elevated Rights Deployment Tool (available in the SMS 2003 Administration Feature Pack and in the SMS 2.0 Administration Feature Pack) to install these updates.

Disclaimer:

The information provided in the Microsoft Knowledge Base is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. Microsoft disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall Microsoft Corporation or its suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever including direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, loss of business profits or special damages, even if Microsoft Corporation or its suppliers have been advised of the possibility of such damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages so the foregoing limitation may not apply.

Revisions:

  • V1.0 (May 11, 2004): Bulletin published
  • V1.1 (May 11, 2004): Bulletin updated to reflect updated information in the Executive Summary and FAQ Section.

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