CVE-2010-1885

CVE-2010-1885 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 2003 Server with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 74% places it in the 99th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-78.

Key facts

• Severity: Critical (CVSS 2.0 base score 9.3)
• EPSS exploit prediction: 74% (99th percentile)
• Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
• Weakness: CWE-78
• Affected product: Microsoft Windows 2003 Server
• Published: 2010-06-15
• Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

The MPC::HexToNum function in helpctr.exe in Microsoft Windows Help and Support Center in Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 does not properly handle malformed escape sequences, which allows remote attackers to bypass the trusted documents whitelist (fromHCP option) and execute arbitrary commands via a crafted hcp:// URL, aka "Help Center URL Validation Vulnerability."

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2010-1885?

The MPC::HexToNum function in helpctr.exe in Microsoft Windows Help and Support Center in Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 does not properly handle malformed escape sequences, which allows remote attackers to bypass the trusted documents whitelist (fromHCP option) and execute arbitrary commands via a crafted hcp:// URL, aka "Help Center URL Validation Vulnerability."

How severe is CVE-2010-1885?

CVE-2010-1885 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 9.3, rated critical severity.

Is CVE-2010-1885 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 74% (99th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2010-1885?

CVE-2010-1885 primarily affects Microsoft Windows 2003 Server. In total, 6 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2010-1885?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2010-1885 published?

CVE-2010-1885 was published on 2010-06-15 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

• http://archives.neohapsis.com/archives/fulldisclosure/2010-06/0197.html
• http://blogs.technet.com/b/msrc/archive/2010/06/10/windows-help-vulnerability-disclosure.aspx
• http://blogs.technet.com/b/srd/archive/2010/06/10/help-and-support-center-vulnerability-full-disclosure-posting.aspx
• http://secunia.com/advisories/40076
• http://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/13808
• http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/578319
• http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/advisory/2219475.mspx
• http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/511774/100/0/threaded
• http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/511783/100/0/threaded
• http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/40725
• http://www.securitytracker.com/id?1024084
• http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA10-194A.html
• http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2010/1417
• https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2010/ms10-042
• https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/59267
• https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A11733

Affected products (6)

• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_2003_server:*:sp2:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_2003_server:*:sp2:itanium:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2003:*:sp2:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_xp:*:sp2:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_xp:*:sp3:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_xp:-:sp2:x64:*:*:*:*:*

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