Dont forget that 99% of IRC servers require a valid and accurate CTCP VERSION reply from every client. The excuse that blocking it protects you from vulnerabilities is rediculous because there are 800,000 other clients with identically responding Version replies.
If there should ever be such an mIRC exploit that leaves your computer vulnerable, then all IRC servers would automatically mercy-kill you and everyone else using mIRC, to protect you from attack. If you mask your Version reply, then you're at greater risk of being exploited as scanners and skript kiddies are non-descriminate of what exploits they attempt on whom.
I'm still being barraged by a dozen Code Red hits a day... I don't see them asking me if I'm a Microsoft IIS server first.
The Version reply may save your life, the same way a medical bracelet saves the lives of people with asthma and allergies. I don't see criminals targeting people wearing these devices and feeding them peanuts so they break out in hives.
- Raccoon
