full-disclosure - Odd Behavior - Windows Messenger Service

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From: david.vincent at mightyoaks.com (David Vincent)
Subject: Odd Behavior - Windows Messenger Service

this is messenger service spam.

the messenger service runs by default out of the box.  since it runs as a
service, it is running and accepting connections before anyone logs in.

you happenned to login with the admin login, i bet if you'd done the same
thing with a user account it would have been on that desktop too.  those
messenger spams are sent to MACHINES not USERS.

this is a FEATURE not a bug or a security vuln.

if you don't want these, there's TONS of info on how to stop it.  turning
off the messenger service/installing a firewall/not being stupid and setting
up an unprotected machine while connected to the internet are all good
options.


-d



> -----Original Message-----
> From: morning_wood [mailto:se_cur_ity@...mail.com]
> Sent: July 16, 2003 1:12 PM
> To: Martin; full-disclosure@...ts.netsys.com
> Subject: Re: [Full-Disclosure] Odd Behavior - Windows 
> Messenger Service
> 
> 
> > I can confirm this behavior. This service is enabled on Windows 2000
> > and XP by default.
> > I noticed it on my sister's PC after she clicked away 3 
> advertisement
> >pop-ups and growling at the PC. I think that the average user does
> >not know how to disable it.
> > (And btw: NO, the average MS-Windows user is NOT USING any 
> firewalls.)
> >
> 
> 
> more to the point... THERE WAS NO LOGIN PERIOD
> this was a fresh install.. waiting at the login prompt.. the 
> pop up was
> there before any user ( admin ) settings initialized or login 
> took place.
> once again.. this is out of  the box install following all prompts, no
> sharing etc. ( only setting computer name and workgroup 
> )reboot.. sit at
> login prompt.. login.. pop up was waiting on an uninitialized 
> desktop..
> this is my question / issue...   NOT my personal security or lack of
> knowlege about basic networking / security.
> disabling the service is easy, im reporting on default out of the box
> behavior, not how to get rid of it or protect myself.
> please all.. re-read my scenario...
> 
> donnie
> 
> 
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