With Windows XP now past its end-of-life date, many are curious as to whether the operating system remains safe and hack-proof for those continuing to use it.
One writer set out to discover the truth, using a virtual machine and penetration testing alongside the aged OS.
While Windows XP does indeed have multiple vulnerabilities, until ports are opened and exceptions made, these are largely unused and pose no threat.
The writer observed multiple vulnerabilities once a window had been left open, and was able to execute remote code with no social engineering required.
The finding acts as a demonstration of the gap between vulnerabilities and actual risk, showing that the latter does not automatically arise from the former.
This improves understanding of the actual risks posed by outdated software, and the real-world implications of leaving certain ports open.