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Windows Source Leak Traces Back to Mainsoft

Feb 13, 2004 12:20AM PST

By Nate Mook, BetaNews
February 13, 2004




BetaNews has learned that Thursday's leak of the Windows 2000 source code originated not from Microsoft, but from long-time Redmond partner Mainsoft.

The leaked code includes 30,915 files and was apparently removed from a Linux computer used by Mainsoft for development purposes. Dated July 25, 2000, the source code represents Windows 2000 Service Pack 1.

Analysis indicates files within the leaked archive are only a subset of the Windows source code, which was licensed to Mainsoft for use in the company's MainWin product. MainWin utilizes the source to create native Unix versions of Windows applications.

http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,4149,1526830,00.asp

Discussion is locked

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Stolen Windows code not critical weakness
Feb 13, 2004 12:26AM PST

By Iain Thomson [13-02-2004]
File published online will be of limited use to hackers

The source code leak from Microsoft is not as serious as first feared, security experts have advised.
Early indications are that the code that has been published will be of limited use to hackers. The 658MB which has been posted online in a compressed file makes up less than two per cent of the total source code for Windows 2000 and NT.

"I wouldn't be panicking too much," said Graham Titterington, senior analyst at Ovum.

"Understanding source code is a difficult job even for skilled hackers, and it's unclear how much good it will do them."

More: http://www.vnunet.com/News/1152755

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Statement from Microsoft Regarding Illegal Posting of Windows Source Code
Feb 13, 2004 1:43AM PST

REDMOND, Wash., Feb. 12, 2004 -- On Thursday, Microsoft became aware that portions of the Microsoft Windows 2000 and Windows NT 4.0 source code were illegally made available on the Internet. It?s illegal for third parties to post Microsoft source code, and we take such activity very seriously.

We are currently investigating these postings and are working with the appropriate law-enforcement authorities.

At this point it does not appear that this is the result of any breach of Microsoft?s corporate network or internal security.

At this time there is no known impact on customers. We will continue to monitor the situation.

http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2004/Feb04/02-12windowssource.asp