Telcos, Cable Companies Come Under Fire For Antitrust Actions

Sony BMG Rootkit Virus Writers Arrested

from the will-they-blame-Sony-BMG? dept

Tue, Jun 27th 2006 11:50am — Mike Masnick

It's been a while since we heard much about the infamous Sony BMG rootkit fiasco. However, with three virus writers getting arrested this weekend, Jeremy Wagstaff is pointing out that the virus they're accused of writing made use of the rootkit vulnerability to infect thousands of computers. This was the virus that showed up just days after Sony insisted that no one should care about the Sony BMG rootkits because most people had no clue what rootkits were.

Thank you for reading this Techdirt post. With so many things competing for everyone’s attention these days, we really appreciate you giving us your time. We work hard every day to put quality content out there for our community.

Techdirt is one of the few remaining truly independent media outlets. We do not have a giant corporation behind us, and we rely heavily on our community to support us, in an age when advertisers are increasingly uninterested in sponsoring small, independent sites — especially a site like ours that is unwilling to pull punches in its reporting and analysis.

While other websites have resorted to paywalls, registration requirements, and increasingly annoying/intrusive advertising, we have always kept Techdirt open and available to anyone. But in order to continue doing so, we need your support. We offer a variety of ways for our readers to support us, from direct donations to special subscriptions and cool merchandise — and every little bit helps. Thank you.

–The Techdirt Team

33 Comments

If you liked this post, you may also be interested in...

Reader Comments

Subscribe: RSS

View by: Time | Thread

anonymous coward, 27 Jun 2006 @ 12:01pm

why wasn't anyone at sony arrested for the "virus" that is their rootkit? it's ok to hack a machine and install illicit software if you are a huge corporation? where is that exemption written in the anti-hacking laws?

first
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Deadly Oats, 27 Jun 2006 @ 12:07pm

Can we trust Sony's Technologies?
With the Root Kit shenanigans that Sony pulled on it's music arm (who knows what they've done on their Sony Pictures arm), isn't it likely that their Bluray format will be rigged similarly in some way?

It makes me hesitant to get Bluray devices for my PC's. I'll have to look carefully, but it seems that I'll opt for Toshiba's HD DVD standard instead.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Dimitris, 27 Jun 2006 @ 12:09pm

Re:
You is very right my man.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
DeadlyOats, 27 Jun 2006 @ 12:10pm

Can we trust Sony's Technologies, part 2
It makes me wonder if it will be safe to buy Sony movies and music sold on Bluray discs as well.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 27 Jun 2006 @ 12:18pm

Hope they get these criminals
Hooray!!!

I mean Oh No!

I nearly jumped off me seat with joy when I read that headline.

But instead of nailing the original culprits, these guys from the UK company that wrote the malware...

FIRST 4 INTERNET LTD
UNIT 6 BRIDGEND BUSINESS CENTRE
BENNETT STREET
BRIDGEND
GLAMORGAN CF31 3SH
Company No. 03885544

you're talking about some script kiddies. How disappointing. I wonder how long it takes for the criminal investigation to lead back to the original authors and put them in jail for contravention of the 1990 Computer Misuse Act, Section 3

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1990/Ukpga_19900018_en_1.htm

3.—(1) A person is guilty of an offence if—

(a) he does any act which causes an unauthorised modification of the contents of any computer; and

(b) at the time when he does the act he has the requisite intent and the requisite knowledge.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1)(b) above the requisite intent is an intent to cause a modification of the contents of any computer and by so doing—

(a) to impair the operation of any computer;

(b) to prevent or hinder access to any program or data held in any computer; or

(c) to impair the operation of any such program or the reliability of any such data.

(3) The intent need not be directed at—

(a) any particular computer;

(b) any particular program or data or a program or data of any particular kind; or

(c) any particular modification or a modification of any particular kind.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
DittoBox, 27 Jun 2006 @ 12:20pm

What we should've seen...
Sony BMG Execs & Rootkit Writers Arrested...
[ link to this | view in thread ]
I, for one, 27 Jun 2006 @ 12:23pm

Re: Can we trust Sony's Technologies, part 2
Deadly Oats wrote - "It makes me wonder if it will be safe to buy Sony movies and music sold on Bluray discs as well."

Of course it will NEVER be safe to buy any product from Sony again.

If somebody abuses your trust why would you then enter into a new relationship with them? Sony and their henchmen have proven beyond all reasonable doubt that they are criminals. Only a masochist or a fool would buy a Sony product now.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 27 Jun 2006 @ 12:32pm

two words: boycott sony
[ link to this | view in thread ]
some lunatic, 27 Jun 2006 @ 12:39pm

Squeezed
boycott Sony? Don't use Blu-Ray? Are you insane?
I'm sure Sony learned their lesson, but I'd rather have a non-DRM'd Blu-Ray than a Microshaft endorsed HD-DVD... utter madness. 3 cheers for Blu-ray suckers.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Rikko, 27 Jun 2006 @ 12:54pm

Re: Squeezed
Can you support your position at all being rational and citing legitimate sources?
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Robert, 27 Jun 2006 @ 12:56pm

Re: Squeezed
Actually if you were to study up on Blue-Ray, you'd know that the reason that Sony has the RIAA's backing for their format is it's ability to have multiple 'DRM gates'. That's enough reason for me to not buy sony CD's, Blue-Ray disks and players, and even the PS3.

Personally I'm sticking with the Nintendo Wii and regular DVD's since it's barely a visible difference in quality for the new standards they're trying to force feed us; besides, how many people out there actually have a HDTV that has an HDMI input? Not I or anyone else I know for that matter.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 27 Jun 2006 @ 12:59pm

this is retarded..
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Sean, 27 Jun 2006 @ 1:01pm

I will not buy any thing sony and have not since I got my Sony Walkman in like 1992. They do release some crappy products "rootkit" even though it was a bad "feature". Also look at the past standings on formats Sony has used Beta, Mini disks, UMD. All for mats have dropped as for UMD currently only the video has been dropped if I recall.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 27 Jun 2006 @ 1:01pm

this is retarded..
SONY should be punished first and foremost, then maybe these guys tooo

sony left the door WIDE FREAKING open, and these guys get punished for walking in?
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Robert, 27 Jun 2006 @ 1:06pm

Now for another gay analogy (because we love them
So, if you had some clown come to your house to entertain you, and he decided to break all your locks at your house, and jammed open all the doors and windows, wouldn't he be the one blamed if someone burglarized your house right after this happened? I mean, when my house got burglarized the first thing the cops and insurance company asked was, "Was your house locked? If not, why wasn't your house locked?" And if you had left your house unlocked they wouldn't cover you. It seems like a similar situation to me.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Panic, 27 Jun 2006 @ 1:15pm

CFAA
Interesting parts of the US computer fraud and abuse act they seem to be in violation of over there at Sony too:

18 U.S.C. 1030.
Fraud and Related Activity
in Connection with Computers

§ 1030. Fraud and Related Activity in Connection with Computers

((5)

(A)

(i) knowingly causes the transmission of a program, information, code, or command, and as a result of such conduct, intentionally causes damage without authorization, to a protected computer;

(ii) intentionally accesses a protected computer without authorization, and as a result of such conduct, recklessly causes damage; or

(iii) intentionally accesses a protected computer without authorization, and as a result of such conduct, causes damage;

(2) the term "protected computer" means a computer

(A) exclusively for the use of a financial institution or the United States Government, or, in the case of a computer not exclusively for such use, used by or for a financial institution or the United States Government and the conduct constituting the offense affects that use by or for the financial institution or the Government; or

(B) which is used in interstate or foreign commerce or communications, including a computer located outside the United States that is used in a manner that affects interstate or foreign commerce or communication of the United States;

food for thought...
[ link to this | view in thread ]
NGUVU, 27 Jun 2006 @ 1:25pm

Useful virus?
If someone is going to make a virus because they want to prove that they can, they should have the zombie PCs run the Seti program...at least that is somewhat productive (for the attacker)... (disclaimer - I do not condone people to go out and create viruses or takeover anyone's PC without their knowledge - but if you really have to, do something cool and not as criminal...)
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 27 Jun 2006 @ 1:37pm

ive been boycotting sony since the whole rootkit thing, still havent bought a sony product. my family knows my hate and they are afraid to buy sony b/c they know i will make them return it.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
dave, 27 Jun 2006 @ 1:58pm

contract
By purchasing sony's product you enter into a binding contract with them. That contract extends to any device you choose to use this product in. It is certainly ridiculous that all Sony has to do is apologize and recall "faulty" products. But these guys actually had the INTENT to cause harm. Sony was just unaware of how ridiculous their backdoor scheme was. Or at least they claim to be unaware...
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 27 Jun 2006 @ 2:15pm

Everyone has gone just a little to far with this whole thing! I do think if you were effected by the whole Sony thing and your computer was affected by the incident then ya I can see where your comming from but still Sony in general is still a great company when it comes to hardware and entertainment devices. I will buy Sony products but will definetly be cautious of whats on them before using them. On top of that I never play cds in my computer anyway so guess I dont have that to worry about. Seriously though Sony is just like every other company out there why do they have to be pinned down completely for making that mistake due to a bunch of dumb employees which I bet are not working there anymore.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
DRMED, 27 Jun 2006 @ 3:06pm

Don't Oust Sony Just yet
I find it funny that the very same corporation that gave us the betamax and fought for "Fair Use" when it came to recording on these new machines. Is now the same corporation out to inhibit or prohibit your "Fair Use" of the products you purchase.

The whole Rootkit thing was not only a FUBAR but proved that Sony can not be trusted in any way. I purchased a music CD legally that had a Sony Logo on the back, I went home to put this into my iPod only to find out that if I did want the music on my portable player I would be required to again purchase the music from iTunes. Because of this Rootkit hack on my personal hardware at home. Hmm my computer hacked (a hack is not always just accessing data, illegally installing software without the end user consent is no less a crime the script kids who got arrested for exploiting someone else's hack. )

Lets not get started on the "iWhatever" group as we know they too have screwed us with their DRM.

As for Sony up to this one incident I had happily ignored them as being Czar like with their empire and forcing the rest of us into submission by the simple purchase of any of their products.

I look at it this way, The first mistake - Shame on me for ignoring Sony and their DRM God Complex. The second offense - Shame on Sony for continuing to impose their decree against the consumer.

I will not again purchase a Sony product due to my own personal experience. Do I advise a boycott on Sony as a whole? No, they give back to the industry by creating new technologies that other competitors attempt to mimic or enhance upon. I would say someone will beat Sony at their own game just be patient and purchase from the competitor.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 27 Jun 2006 @ 3:42pm

Re:
Its because you paid them your money for the right to let them install unsolicited rootkits on your system without your knowledge or information.

If these people had charged for the virus that exploited the rootkit then it would have been perfectly legal.

Or if they had charged for software and bundled it with that software.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
ctyankee, 27 Jun 2006 @ 3:47pm

Re: Can we trust Sony's Technologies?
Of note:

Reports are that early Blu-Ray format purchasers are not happy campers. Especially 'eye opening' reports from end users that own both formats reporting that the quality is not as good as HD DVD. This after years of reports that Blu-Ray had the superior format.

Crazy stuff. That and discs that have no special features after promoting how much material can be stored on these discs.

Boy does Sony know how to market and roll out a product ...

I wouldn't put those guys in charge of selling lemonade.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Rick, 27 Jun 2006 @ 7:09pm

Re:
"why wasn't anyone at sony arrested for the "virus" that is their rootkit? it's ok to hack a machine and install illicit software if you are a huge corporation? where is that exemption written in the anti-hacking laws? "

Right next to the law that lets Republicans (Rush Limbaugh) get away with having ILLEGAL drugs TWICE.

As long as your rich and contribute lots of money to politicians, you are free to break any law you wish. Welcome to the CSA (Corrupt States of America) where the poor die so the rich can be free....
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Just remember folks..., 27 Jun 2006 @ 7:44pm

It's "For the children"!
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Sanguine Dream, 27 Jun 2006 @ 10:01pm

Sadly though...
if this goes to trial i'll bet the Sony execs will hardly be mentioned. All the blame will somehow be placed on the writers of the kit. Yeah the writers should be punished but the execs that had them do it should be punished too.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 27 Jun 2006 @ 11:10pm

Re: Re:
At least the real CSA stood for something (think civil war, jefferson davis, etc...)
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Franssu, 28 Jun 2006 @ 6:05am

Sony America's Corporate Charter Repelled - Execs Sent To Gitmo
[ link to this | view in thread ]
alternatives, 28 Jun 2006 @ 6:14am

Why is THIS an outrage?
Why is the sony created rootkit an outrage, when sony has been a backer to DMCA and other laws?

Shouldn't you have stopped buying Sony equipment and products a long time ago?
[ link to this | view in thread ]
thomasgulch, 28 Jun 2006 @ 6:32am

Re: Re:
How do you know limbaugh isn't working for Sony? eh?
[ link to this | view in thread ]
discojohnson, 28 Jun 2006 @ 12:22pm

talk about misleading
Sony BMG Rootkit Virus Writers Arrested

so is the rootkit a virus and the creators were arrested? no. be mindful of perception, as that's how the same crooked politicians/presidents/ceos work.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 29 Jun 2006 @ 8:39am

Re:
Selective enforcement is the norm in the US now. There is a trend towards just making everything illegal and then using politically correct selective enforcement. Don't be looking for any FBI action against Sony.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Sebastian Lewis, 1 Jul 2006 @ 4:23pm

I've been thinking of going HD-DVD
But I wanted Blu-Ray so I could use that instead of an ExtHDD for Backing up Files. It would save more space. However if Sony did something to their Discs then I'll just go with a Phillips or Samsung Disc (I think both of them are in th Blu-Ray Camp) and use HD-DVD for other stuff. However I may just bypass the entire Format war and Go with Digital Distribution and tack on the ExtHDDs while I'm at it. iTunes is a Great place to go, along with Several other Music Stores I don't use but are probably just as good. I'm not much for Movies anyways so it probably won't matter to me and both of these Formats will have to Try and either co exist with Digital Distribution or lose to it. That Simple.
[ link to this | view in thread ]