X-Box Hackers Trying to Blackmail Microsoft?

**wessman** · July 2nd, 2003, 06:17 PM

X-Box Hackers Trying to Blackmail Microsoft?
from the dumb-and-dumberer dept.
posted by michael on Friday June 27, @15:51 (xbox)
http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=03/06/27/1842219

wumarkus420 writes "According to this article from CNet News, an [1]anonymous X-Box security research team is threatening Microsoft: either release a digitally-signed official Linux bootloader or face the release of a new exploit that supposedly works without a modchip. While I doubt Microsoft 'negotiates with terrorists,' this should still turn out to be a good I-told-you-so if the exploit is verified." Sounds like a good way to end up in jail.

Links:
1. http://news.com.com/2100-1043_3-1021692.html

Group claims Linux advance on Xbox
By Patrick Gray
Special to CNET News.com
June 27, 2003, 7:06 AM PT
http://news.com.com/2100-1043-1021692.html

A group of Xbox security researchers say they have found a way to run Linux on the Xbox game console without a so-called mod chip and will go public with the technique if Microsoft won't talk to them about releasing an official Linux boot loader.

The group, which has asked not to be named in this article, approached ZDNet Australia after repeated attempts to contact Microsoft independently failed.

The researchers say they want Microsoft to release a "signed" Linux boot loader--software that runs when a computer starts up to load and give control to the operating system--that would allow Xbox users to run the open-source operating system on the console without installing a chip.

A signed Linux boot loader will not allow users to load pirated games, they say. However, the release of new Xbox exploits that the researchers claim to have developed to run Linux on the console could have the side effect of allowing piracy without the need to install a mod chip, something the hackers say they would like to avoid. Mod chips, which allow the bypassing of Xbox security systems, must be soldered onto the console's main circuit board.

The range of exploits will be released within weeks if Microsoft doesn't respond to their requests for talks, they say.

Microsoft is investigating technical and legal issues in connection with the alleged hack and is expected to have a conclusive response early next week, the company said in a statement.

"We're...very committed to respecting others' intellectual property, and we request the same respect applied to our innovations and those of our partners," the company said in the statement. "Our primary concern (is) game-counterfeiting, which impacts our development partners who are developing games for the Xbox."

Michael Muir, of Australia's OzXChip, a legal mod-chip business, says the release of an "official" Linux boot loader would be a positive step.

"I would love to see a signed Linux boot loader, even though I would essentially be out of business," he told ZDNet Australia.

Muir says the release of the claimed series of exploits, one of which is in the Xbox Dashboard utility, factory-installed on the Xbox hard drive, could be disastrous for games companies intent on preventing piracy. If genuine, the exploits would let anyone with even a slight technical knowledge "reflash" the Xbox BIOS, allowing users to pirate games. The only hardware modification necessary is a dollop of solder on the write-enable pads on the motherboard.

It's because of the added solder that the group isn't eligible for the $100,000 prize being offered to the first person to run Linux on the Xbox with no hardware modifications at all.

The technique is understood to be not new as such. Since an exploit was found in the "save game" function of "007 Agent Under Fire," it has been possible for those who were willing to make the effort and had the necessary level of technical knowledge to modify the BIOS.

However, the group believes that it's time to make it easier for users to take the steps necessary to run Linux on the console. Because the claimed chain of exploits is independent of any game, they could prove to become very popular. Users could download them from the Internet and load them into the Xbox through a memory card.

ZDNet Australia's Patrick Gray reported from Sydney. CNET News.com's David Becker contributed to this report.

Related News:

'Mod chip' design goes open source June 24, 2003
http://news.com.com/2100-1043-1020471.html

Hacker cracks Xbox challenge March 31, 2003
http://news.com.com/2100-1043-994794.html

Xbox cracking project goes Linux March 17, 2003
http://news.com.com/2110-1043-992918.html

Lindows CEO funds Xbox hacking contest January 2, 2003
http://news.com.com/2100-1040-978957.html

Get this story's "Big Picture"
http://news.com.com/2104-1043-1021692.html

Copyright ©1995-2003 CNET Networks, Inc. All rights reserved.

**rctempire** · July 4th, 2003, 10:44 AM

I think a linux addon for the Xbox would be great but im still happy with my xbox the way it is. I have no idea why m$ dont like people going open source if they are so worried why dont they look at how people acctually make programs to make their product even better.!! Take the XBMP(Xbox Media Player) for example. This allows people to play Divx,Vcds and,MP3 plus a lot more. This is a great addon but of course M$ dont like it cause it aint OFFICIAL but maybe M$ should concider making there own addon so people can listen to OGG format aswell as watching Vcds, Even pictures could be incorirated if M$ decided to make an OFFICIAL addon. But Think HOW much money is coming from the sales as profit aswell as their shares and Windows OS. And they could still get even more profit if they decided to Make and OFFICAL addon to play MP3 and even Vcds or SVCDS.

Just my thoughts

RCTEMPIRE

**wessman** · July 4th, 2003, 05:19 PM

Dude, what is up with the tracking graphic in your sig?

http://www.danasoft.com/vipersig.jpg

**rctempire** · July 13th, 2003, 01:48 AM

Whats wrong with it dont you like it.

I like it its a bit different

LOL

**Krell** · July 13th, 2003, 02:03 AM

That particular img only shows the use his own IP, however, I am not particulary fond of another site logging the IPs of Zero Paid members.

Your sig is too long, you need to chose one or the other, not 2 images and 2 links.

This is too much of a problem, we need to shape up on the sings and avatars.

**Psilaxs** · July 13th, 2003, 02:26 AM

Krell, not to nit pick or anything, but his is actually shorter then yours in overall length.

**Krell** · July 13th, 2003, 02:31 AM

Height? yes

**rctempire** · July 13th, 2003, 06:31 AM

Sorry about the Ip address thing. I suppose your right really about logging Ip addresses. I have removed it and i decided to remove 2 of the links. I have decided to keep the Drugs&Pirated Cds cause its a bit of harmless fun

Thanks