Originally posted on sciy.org by Ron Anastasia on Wed 27 Sep 2006 02:16 PM PDT
Microsoft files lawsuit over DRM crack
9/27/2006 2:44:52 PM
by Jacqui Cheng
they allege have broken Microsoft's PlaysForSure DRM with stolen source code. The only currently-known "John Doe" in the case is a hacker who goes by the handle "Viodentia" and is the author of FairUse4WM. The software strips songs purchased from Microsoft partners, such as Yahoo! Music and Napster, of their Windows Media DRM, allowing users to continue listening to songs after canceling their subscriptions to said services and to use the songs on other platforms—things that would not normally be allowed with the DRM in place.
When FairUse4WM was first made available, Microsoft released a patch for it immediately so that purchased music could no longer be stripped. Viodentia was soon on Microsoft's coattails with another release of the software, causing Microsoft to then release yet another patch. That brings us to where we are today, with the lawsuit targeting him for allegedly stealing source code straight from Microsoft in order to develop his DRM-stripping software. An attorney for Microsoft, Bonnie MacNaughton, said that "our own intellectual property was stolen from us and used to create this tool," adding that Microsoft believes FairUse4WM's developer seemed to have had an advantage over other hackers to crack the DRM.
However, when asked for a response to Microsoft's allegations, Viodentia claims that he did no such thing. "I didn't use any Microsoft source code. However, I believe that this lawsuit is a fishing expedition to get identity information, which can then be used to either bring more targeted lawsuits, or to cause other trouble." Indeed, while Viodentia appears to be vigilant in keeping his real-life identity a secret, Microsoft's lawyers have said that they are attempting to get Viodentia's IP address or any other identifying information by going after websites hosting the software, as well as any online services that he has used under that pseudonym. Microsoft claims that although the "stolen" code comes as part of the Windows Media software development kit, it is "not easily accessible." Well Microsoft, you know what they say about security through obscurity. (Hint: It's not good.)
Microsoft isn't the only company battling hackers over DRM, so the outcome of this lawsuit remains of interest to companies such as Apple, as well as to the American public.
Will the war soon be over between Microsoft and the "John Doe" known as Viodentia? Not likely. In an interview with Engadget, Viodentia revealed two things: that he does not reside in the United States—something that will make pursuing him difficult even if the courts do eventually identify him—and that he has no other motivation to develop the software than to take on Microsoft. With that, Viodentia released another update to the FairUse4WM software just a day after news of the lawsuit broke. I wonder when we can expect that patch from Microsoft.
- end -Attachment:
