Windows XP firewall is useless

My brother sent me an interesting email today. It doesn't totally surprise me.

By adding a new key to the registry in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE / SYSTEM / Services / SharedAccess / Parameters / FirewallPolicy / StandardProfile / AuthorizedApplications / List you can circumvent the whole purpose of the firewall with out the user's interaction or knowledge. Spyware & Adware manufacturers already do this.

More information and a little rant at:
http://habaneronetworks.com/viewArticle.php?ID=144

Originally posted on Monday, 2005-02-21 at 14:43:17.