Sony unit to distribute software patch

**Jared Moya** · November 2nd, 2005, 08:39 PM

The offending technology was designed to thwart music piracy. Sony BMG Music Entertainment and its partner, UK-based First 4 Internet, said they decided to offer the patch as a precaution, not because of any security vulnerability, which some critics had alleged. "What we decided to do is take extra precautionary steps to allay any fears," said Mathew Gilliat-Smith, First 4 Internet's CEO. "There should be no concern here." The controversy started Monday after Windows expert Mark Russinovich posted a Web log report on how he found hidden files on his PC after playing a Van Zant CD. He also said it disabled his CD drive after he tried to manually remove it. Russinovich made the discovery while running a program he had written for uncovering file-cloaking "RootKits." In this case, the Sony program hid the antipiracy software from view. Similar technology also has been used by virus and worm writers to conceal their code.

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**mountain_rage** · November 2nd, 2005, 08:56 PM

The impressive thing is not that sony did this is that they actually listened to the complaints of its costomers.

**wonderboy2005** · November 2nd, 2005, 08:59 PM

They better not get by that easy. At the very least, they need to a) provide offline distributable media (CD, more than likely) with a removal kit to all places where sale of affected CDs took place, b) a recall program for affected CDs, with at the very least a free replacement. And to top it off, a heart-felt public appology.

Sadly enough, that last stipulation is probably the least likely to happen.

**Signa** · November 2nd, 2005, 09:01 PM

its just as i said in another thread. they do listen to complaints because no customers means no money

**kokanezub** · November 2nd, 2005, 09:52 PM

look ...how are they ganna put hidden files to stop copying then show u where they are?

**silentscream** · November 3rd, 2005, 03:38 AM

i dont expect they thought somone would find them this soon

.

**axlman** · November 3rd, 2005, 07:25 AM

Wish I knew where we could a copy of this software for uncovering file-cloaking "RootKits."

I think that it would be a nice little tool to have on hand!

**etabeta** · November 4th, 2005, 10:02 AM

I hope this time Sony - BMG will get a multimillion dollar lawsuit aqainst them for maliciously installing and modifiying OS components on the PCs of those who legally purchase and listen to their CDs. A rootkit is actually considered a Trojan Horse that operates at low-level OS calls making it possible to be vitually undetectable. This will surely backfire for these high-class criminals.
It is very sad that you risk less at getting hacked by downloading the tunes for free on the P2P networks that buying the CD and playing it on your computer.
This is a blatant violation of rights and privacy.
...and another very good excuse NOT to PAY for music!!

**wonderboy2005** · November 4th, 2005, 10:42 AM

Originally Posted by axlman

Wish I knew where we could a copy of this software for uncovering file-cloaking "RootKits."

I think that it would be a nice little tool to have on hand!

http://www.sysinternals.com/Files/RootkitRevealer.zip

**Mels_Smileys45** · November 4th, 2005, 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by silentscream

i dont expect they thought somone would find them this soon

.

Only took 6 months.

I doubt anyone would win a lawsuit since they clicked the "yes" button to instal the drm in the first place.

**silentscream** · November 4th, 2005, 03:52 PM

im pretty sure it doesent notify u of an install

although i may be wrong

.

**Jared Moya** · November 4th, 2005, 07:16 PM

good word usage

**Jared Moya** · November 4th, 2005, 07:17 PM

tytrytry

**Jared Moya** · November 4th, 2005, 07:17 PM

gfhgfhgf

**Dark Messenger** · November 5th, 2005, 09:34 AM

Does anyone actually have one of the affected cd's? It seems the only way to get their removal tool is to enter your purchase information otherwise you can't get the removal tool/instructions.