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General discussion

ROOTKIT on SONY MUSIC CD!!!

Nov 2, 2005 8:29PM PST

Discussion is locked

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What?
Nov 2, 2005 9:17PM PST

Can you fill us (or maybe just me) in on what Rootkit is and why it's a problem?

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In short, Windows ROOTKITS are:
Nov 2, 2005 9:27PM PST
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Thanks! Another question...
Nov 2, 2005 9:32PM PST

What kind of files are they hiding? Copy protection routines?

I really don't like the way Sony puts DRM ahead of EVERYTHING. It doesn't stop the criminals, but it makes it all much more difficult for the rest of us.

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In short, yes!
Nov 2, 2005 9:39PM PST

But read what a mess this DRM makes.

I hate to write this, but its sad when pirated music is a better product than the real thing.

Bob

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they're taking this a little too far now
Nov 7, 2005 7:03AM PST

this is rediculous....you buy a cd, and you can't even make another copy for a family member or for your car/radio etc. thats completely crazy. and with the patch, you can't even play the cds on your computer. Sony music doesn't really have any good artists out right now anyways. so meh

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For those of you with a Mac
Nov 7, 2005 8:27AM PST

The workaround, from Sony, is to insert the CD into the Mac, bring up iTunes and rip it as normal.
The RootKit does not work on a Mac.

Just thought you might be interested but, this does not make Sony's actions any less reprehensible.


P

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getting to the root of the problem
Nov 9, 2005 5:32AM PST

The root kit methodolgy is used by hackers and virus writers to gain a back door and/or contol of computers. Because of this it's a potential security risk even if Sony claims it just to protect their rights. It apparently does phone home.

Consider this ...

It's installed on your computer without your knowledge or permission just by the act of playing the Sony CD.

It's cloaked so you can't tell it's there by using normal system utilites.

It may compromised your system if the ''bad boys'' figure out how to walk in the door Sony opened on your computer.

After the initial public outrage Sony offered a ''patch'' that doesn't remove the root kit but only lets you see that it's there.

Attempts at removal by knowledgeable users have resulted in disabled CD drives and unstable or unbootable systems.

Hummmm .... sounds like malware at the VERY least. Read more about it here.

http://www.cnet.com/4520-6033_1-6376177.html?tag=nl.e501