|
diyAudio Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
|
Quote from Grocklaw post.
Quote:
Sony Rootkits - get them while they last
Authored by: Anonymous on Sunday, November 06 2005 @ 04:57 PM EST
I'm sure most of you have read about Sony's Rootkit. For those of you who haven't. I make this post.
(For probably a limited time), Sony is selling Windows rootkits for 14.95 and as a bonus offer, they are throwing in some music to listen to by 20 different artists.
This is the best rootkits available to date by a major reputable software vendor. ANAL, but it appears the EULA allows you to install the rootkit on as many supported Windows computers as you please. It is not limited to personal use either. You can install it on your company's network and your friends' computers.
For those of you who are not aware of the benefits of having a rootkit, I'll gladly explain. A primary advantage is you can quite effectively hide about as many files, programs and directories as you please. Even the best of administrators will not easily know what is on the system. Or for that matter what is running on the system.
Moreover, you can install the rootkit and Sony provides you with great deniability protection. You can say, "I had no idea I was installing a rootkit. I was just listening to music. I even read the license agreement for the media player and the Digital Restrictions Management. There wasn't even a
hint about a rootkit."
To make matters even better, Sony puts obstacles in people's way who may want to remove your rootkit. Their website requires people who want to remove your rootkit to go through a lot of hoops. Also, they have to give up personal information and explain why they want to remove your rootkit.
Even if all they want to do is expose the hidden files, they run into obstacles. For one thing, the 'get permission' form at Sony's website has four required fields. On one of the required fields, the person has to state the name of the Album. If you don't leave the CD in the tray, no one will know the name of the album.
Moreover, you put the person in a position of having to bald faced lie to Sony on another other required form field. This one asks from what store you bought the rootkit from. Due to the fact that they didn't buy the rootkit, they will have to LIE to Sony.
The penalty for not lying to Sony about where they bought the rootkit is: They can't get past the form to get the information to remove the rootkit. Or for that matter, even get the 'service pack' to expose the hidden files and directories.
Although the rootkit could be a security risk, the blame won't (shouldn't) fall on you. You have Sony (who knows a lot more than you), stating that it is not a security risk.
Dated: November 6, 2006
------------------
Normally I don't date posts. The information I posted on this date is accurate as far as I know, but IMO is subject to changes in the immediate future, because a lot of people don't like Sony's rootkits. Therefore, Sony may have to approach things differently in the very near future.
|
|
|
|
|
