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wdabbsFlag for Afghanistan

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Is it truly dangerous to re-enable the Windows Messenger Service that is turned off by Win XP SP-2?

I know how to enable the service for our network, but I want to know if it's still "dangerous" from a security perspective. We're on a LAN protected by hardware firewalls and we only want to use the service internally for those times when someone's IM program of choice is not logged in or out of commission at the moment. It's times like those when "NET SEND" comes in handy. However, I have to remotely manage the target's services, enable the service on both machines, use the service, then disable the service on both machines. WAY too many steps. I'd like to keep the service turned on permanently but don't want to do it if it's a security risk. Most of the articles I find about the issue were written back in 2003 about an exploit that made a news splash. Is it really a vulnerability on a secured LAN in the year 2008 with updated machines?
VulnerabilitiesWindows Networking
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wdabbs
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silemone
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Just blocks popups.  the problem is that any button from closing the popup to pressing any buttons can be a way to install a hidden.exe  ...i.e.  a virus.
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silemone
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One more serious thing to recognize is that if someone sends a popup through send, they have basically found a way to infiltrate your  system if they a good hackers without the use of a virus.
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Rob Williams
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It is a known security risk and highly recommended it be disabled. So much so that Vista has removed it completely from the O/S. It can be used to spread malware throughout your LAN.
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wdabbs
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ASKER

That's what I was looking for. Thanks.
Windows Networking
Windows Networking

The Windows operating systems have distinct methodologies for designing and implementing networks, and have specific systems to accomplish various networking processes, such as Exchange for email, Sharepoint for shared files and programs, and IIS for delivery of web pages. Microsoft also produces server technologies for networked database use, security and virtualization.

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