CVE-2000-0946: Compaq Easy Access Keyboard software 1.3 does not properly disable access to custom buttons when the screen...

Security readout for executives and security teams

Older Compaq desktops shipped with Easy Access Keyboard software that still honored the special media and shortcut buttons even when Windows was locked. Someone with brief physical access to a locked machine could press those buttons to launch programs or gain access they were not supposed to have. This is a legacy issue affecting Compaq consumer and business PCs from around 2000. Exposure is limited to legacy Compaq desktops running Easy Access Keyboard software 1.3. Modern fleets are highly unlikely to run this software, and exploitation requires physical access to a locked console. Any residual risk sits with unmanaged, decades-old hardware in kiosks, labs, or storage rooms. Very low priority for modern enterprises. Treat as a hygiene item during legacy hardware decommissioning rather than an urgent patch cycle. Only escalate if your environment still runs turn-of-the-century Compaq desktops in sensitive physical locations. Mitigation focus: Apply the Compaq-provided Easy Access Keyboard software revision referenced in the vendor support page.; Retire or reimage remaining Compaq systems still running the 1.3 keyboard software.; Restrict physical access to any legacy Compaq consoles that cannot be updated..

Prepared

Jul 11, 2026, 23:58 UTC (UTC+00:00)

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.