Freedom-to-tinker once again has continued analysis of the whole Sony DRM mess. They basically have taken a look at the ways of protecting an audio cd. Active protection (using software to prevent the duplication of music) is currently the main practical solution if you’re pursuing DRM. But what’s interesting is how much in common they have with spyware writers.
Tag: DRM
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Sony releases XCP remover
Sony has had a busy day… they’ve released software to remove the XCP DRM program that was the start of all the recent SONY DRM rootkit controversy. Of course, the original DRM software had multiple problems in it’s concept AND implementation, the uninstallers and patches since have also had problems. Today I’ve seen reports that Sony’s uninstaller for the SunnComm MediaMax DRM software (the OTHER approach sony uses for copy protection) has some serious problems.
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Sunncomm/Mediamax software fix FLAWED
Once more in the continuing story…. According to freedom-to-tinker, the “fix” released today for the SunnComm/Mediamax DRM software (the “other” DRM software on sony/bmg discs). Is fatally flawed. The problem the software initially poses is much worse than the company lets on in their release and their advise is…. 1) don’t play a mediamax protected disc in your pc. 2)don’t use the fix, 3) don’t use the old uninstaller.
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Sunncomm/MediaMax software fix released
What a long journey it’s been and there is progress in the Sony DRM story. The main issue in the Sony controversy was the XCP DRM software (Digital Rights Management) which was made by first4internet. However, as the first rootkit was discovered, questions began about the MediaMax software (made by SunnComm) which was the OTHER DRM method that Sony made use of. As the story developed it was found that there were security flaws in the ActiveX control which was necessary to uninstall both of the DRM packages…. anyway..
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DRM incompatibility
… and the true reason behind that… is the focus of an article today at freedom-to-tinker.com. Continuing on the whole Sony DRM mess… they take a look at the competing DRM methods, some of the “competition” between companies using different approaches and ultimately come to the conclusion that different DRM methods are used not as a tool against pirates, but as leverage against other media companies.
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Sony still dragging heels on DRM recall
New York’s Attorney General is trying to hold Sony’s feet to the fire. Over a week after the recall of the Sony discs carrying the controversial DRM Rootkit XCP, affected discs were still available for purchase at several retail outlets. From the betanews article…
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More on the MediaMax DRM software
The OTHER Sony-BMG DRM (Digital Rights Management) software is in the news again today. freedom-to-tinker which did great research into the security flaws that the UNINSTALL process for both XCP and MediaMax had is back to give more disturbing news. What’s interesting here is that even declining the EULA for the software is no protection against having the MediaMax system service install and run….
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More Sony lawsuit news… Texas files suit
The security fix is reporting on the latest lawsuit filed against Sony/BMG for the DRM rootkit known as XCP.
“Sony has engaged in a technological version of cloak and dagger deceit against consumers by hiding secret files on their computers,” Abbott is quoted as saying in a press release on his official Web site. “Consumers who purchased a Sony CD thought they were buying music. Instead, they received spyware that can damage a computer, subject it to viruses and expose the consumer to possible identity crime.”
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Sony’s OTHER DRM software uninstaller will be pulled
According to zdnet.com, Sony and SunnComm are pulling the OTHER DRM uninstaller from the web and it will be replaced with a safer version of the uninstaller. Researchers blogging at freedom-to-tinker.com had detailed serious vulnerabilities in the uninstaller for the DRM software made by SunnComm (called MediaMax). The companies say an effort will be made to contact the 223 users who had downloaded the uninstaller for the MediaMax software.
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Sony and Amazon to buyback cds
It looks as though the recall is being detailed for the Sony cds that use the XCP Digital Rights Management copy protection. Sony has setup a page where customers can request an exchange. Sony will swap cds with DRM for cds without the DRM software. Also, Amazon.com is offering refunds through this link, they advise customers to list “defective as the reason for return.