More info on covert channel exploit in ICMP packet

I just ran PingPlotter Freeware to look at packet loss & delays, and got a firewall warning from Eset Smart Security (Ver 5.2.9.1)

"Detected covert channel exploit in ICMP packet"

The message is inexplicit & doesn't give enough info.

• I can kind of guess that this suggests info might be being smuggled off my PC to - where - ? would it go to the ping target, or could it be set up with a spoof return address or the like to go somewhere else.
• Should I worry about it ?
• Should I stop using the app ?
• What exactly was in the covert channel, and if it was magically being sent off somewhere, where was it going ?

 

If disabling ICMP protocol checking in the IDS setup help, leave it disabled. This won't compromise your security in any way.