Vulnerability of Computer Systems - Coursework Example

Windows XP is vulnerable in HTTP services where an attacker who notices this flaw can win absolute control of the computer system and be able to manipulate the already installed programs and do any other thing to the system with full user rights.

Argument injection in packager.exe is another vulnerability of Windows XP. This allows an attacker to interfere with the system by using the (/), slash, character that makes the command before the slash is affected, which is the hackers’ command (Ren, 2010).

The common criterion is an internationally recognized set of standards that are used to successfully evaluate the security of a system like the operating system. It enhances the confidentiality of the user to a system as its certification is recognized globally and therefore all systems purchased throughout the world are subjected to the same level of security standards (Caplan, 1999).

The common criterion ensures that customers can trust the system they are purchasing or using in terms of confidentiality, availability, and integrity. Before a product is introduced to the market a vendor must submit the system for certification to an accredited testing laboratory. He has to specify the security target (ST) which describes an outline of the system, possible security threats, and how the security details will be implemented in the system. The testing laboratory then checks the product to verify its security for certification. The common criterion is hence a trustable method to ascertain the security of a system (Elof, 2003).