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Bungleau · 11-11-2005, 03:35 PM

I thought there was a thread about this, but I can't find it. And I'm not sure this belongs in GD or CE, but I'll start it in GD. Choc's minions, feel free to move it if appropriate (like you need my permission [img]smile.gif[/img] ).

In short, Mark Russinovich, a Windows expert of some reknown, discovered that certain Sony CDs would install a rootkit on your computer if you tried to play the CD on it.

From Wikipedia... "A rootkit is a set of software tools frequently used by a third-party (usually an intruder) after gaining access to a computer system. These tools are intended to conceal running processes, files or system data, which helps an intruder maintain access to a system for purposes unbeknownst to the user."

The rootkit was (and is) poorly written, and degraded system performance. It's also not mentioned on the EULA, and there are no removal tools for it besides manual hacking. Which also can cause your system to fail... horribly.

Sony installed the rootkit as part of the copy protection for the CD. That Digital Rights Protection stuff? Yeah, that's it.

"The community" got up in arms, and Sony responded with a patch that made the rootkit visible, but didn't remove it. Sony's president even stated that "Most people don't know what a rootkit is, so why should they be worried about it?" Yeah, and my kids don't know what cyanide is, so....

Why's it an issue? Well, you don't know it's running on your system. That means that if I can sneak something into your system, you won't know it's there. Something like a trojan horse, or a virus, or just protected directories with files in them. Several viruses have already surfaced, and the AV companies are working to protect against it.

Today, Sony announced they're removing the rootkit from all CDs being produced right now while they sort it out. 'Course, that leaves the rest of the CDs out there ripe for the plucking...

And, in the one twist that I think makes this belong on GD and not Current Events, apparently some folks have used the rootkit to hide their cheating activities while playing World of Warcraft! Yep.... by protecting their machines and hiding their program files the same way Sony did, Warden can't see them, and won't know they're cheating.

Gamers. Always looking for that extra edge...

Apologies for not including links to external references. Google for "sony BMG rootkit" and you should find plenty.

*edit* Change that title ***

[ 11-11-2005, 10:56 PM: Message edited by: Bungleau ]

11-11-2005, 03:35 PM	#1
Bungleau 40th Level Warrior Join Date: October 29, 2001 Location: Western Wilds of Michigan Posts: 11,752	I thought there was a thread about this, but I can't find it. And I'm not sure this belongs in GD or CE, but I'll start it in GD. Choc's minions, feel free to move it if appropriate (like you need my permission [img]smile.gif[/img] ). In short, Mark Russinovich, a Windows expert of some reknown, discovered that certain Sony CDs would install a rootkit on your computer if you tried to play the CD on it. From Wikipedia... "A rootkit is a set of software tools frequently used by a third-party (usually an intruder) after gaining access to a computer system. These tools are intended to conceal running processes, files or system data, which helps an intruder maintain access to a system for purposes unbeknownst to the user." The rootkit was (and is) poorly written, and degraded system performance. It's also not mentioned on the EULA, and there are no removal tools for it besides manual hacking. Which also can cause your system to fail... horribly. Sony installed the rootkit as part of the copy protection for the CD. That Digital Rights Protection stuff? Yeah, that's it. "The community" got up in arms, and Sony responded with a patch that made the rootkit visible, but didn't remove it. Sony's president even stated that "Most people don't know what a rootkit is, so why should they be worried about it?" Yeah, and my kids don't know what cyanide is, so.... Why's it an issue? Well, you don't know it's running on your system. That means that if I can sneak something into your system, you won't know it's there. Something like a trojan horse, or a virus, or just protected directories with files in them. Several viruses have already surfaced, and the AV companies are working to protect against it. Today, Sony announced they're removing the rootkit from all CDs being produced right now while they sort it out. 'Course, that leaves the rest of the CDs out there ripe for the plucking... And, in the one twist that I think makes this belong on GD and not Current Events, apparently some folks have used the rootkit to hide their cheating activities while playing World of Warcraft! Yep.... by protecting their machines and hiding their program files the same way Sony did, Warden can't see them, and won't know they're cheating. Gamers. Always looking for that extra edge... Apologies for not including links to external references. Google for "sony BMG rootkit" and you should find plenty. edit Change that title *** [ 11-11-2005, 10:56 PM: Message edited by: Bungleau ] __________________ B Save Early, Save Often Save Before, Save After Two-Star General, Spelling Soldiers -+-+-+ Give 'em a hug one more time. It might be the last.