Sony CDs contain rootkit?

[evilharp]

Found this article through the Inquirer (I linked an quoted the source)...

The entire experience was frustrating and irritating. Not only had Sony put software on my system that uses techniques commonly used by malware to mask its presence, the software is poorly written and provides no means for uninstall. Worse, most users that stumble across the cloaked files with a RKR scan will cripple their computer if they attempt the obvious step of deleting the cloaked files.

Link

So if Sony is using a Malware approach what else are we installing without consent?

 

[ValuedCustomer]

Hold the "shift" key down as you insert the CD and the malware won't install itself. At that point rip or burn the CD and never let it near your computer again. Bastids! :|

 

[evilharp]

F-Secure adds to the fray:

When you insert such a CD to a Windows-based PC, the record will display a license agreement and then it will seem install a song player software - while it really installs a rootkit to the system. Once the rootkit is there, there's no direct way to uninstall it. The system is implemented in a way that makes it possible for viruses (or any other malicious program) to use the rootkit to hide themselves too. This may lead to a situation where the virus remains undetected even if the user has got updated antivirus software installed.

http://www.f-secure.com/weblog/#00000691

(Link scooped from comment posted by pennino on http://www.sysinternals.com/blog/2005/10/sony-rootkits-and-digital-rights.html)

 

[thirdeye]

I certainly will no longer be purchasing CDs from Sony.

 

[NogginBoink]

This lead one to wonder:

Why is Sony punishing those who legitmately buy their music? It only forces more people into piracy.

 

[ValuedCustomer]

Originally posted by: NogginBoink
This lead one to wonder:

Why is Sony punishing those who legitmately buy their music? It only forces more people into piracy.

And further, why is Sony punishing the artists they record? Sony's big enough and diversified enough to absorb losses from limited amounts of piracy but the artists, who are likely freaking out just because they actually got a record deal with somebody, typically have no choice in the specifics of their contract in terms of manufacturing. I'd never say people are being "forced" into piracy but if this sort of ham-fisted coercion isn't at least somewhat soothing to would-be/potential pirate's consciences I'll eat my shorts.

 

[ValkyrieofHouston]

 

[ValkyrieofHouston]

The people at Sony are complete idiots, I just won't buy from them anymore. I will find a way around it. Fsck em!

 

[Schadenfroh]

This tool should be able to remove the rootkit, should you think you are infected:

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=33&threadid=1729871&enterthread=y

 

[Frodolives]

Disabling autoplay for your disk drive is a good idea.

Here are a couple of good reads on this atrocity by Sony.

http://blogs.washingtonpost.com/securityfix/2005/11/sony_faces_anot.html
http://www.sysinternals.com/blog/2005/10/sony-rootkits-and-digital-rights.html

 

[jackschmittusa]

I emailed Sony and told them I will never purchase anothe product with their name on it.

Sony announced a recall on those Cds yesterday.

They also said recently that they want Cds to stop working after 100 plays because they are not getting enough replacement revenue from CDs like was the case with vinyl and cassettes.

 

[ProviaFan]

Originally posted by: jackschmittusa
They also said recently that they want Cds to stop working after 100 plays because they are not getting enough replacement revenue from CDs like was the case with vinyl and cassettes.

I'm having a hard time telling if that is sarcasm or if that is for real, because the record companies think in such a screwed up fashion that it is entirely possible! :|

 

[firewall]

What does 'Shift' key do if we press it when loading a cd?

I would say, down with Sony! Their products aren't nearly as good in technology and performance as some other brands......

 

[doornail]

I am so glad to see customer uproar over this. My biggest fear is people shrugging off this constant erosion of consumer rights until we're paying fees to read roadsigns.

That and Sony sucks. Every stupid thing has to be proprietary with them. From betamax to their memory cards. And how can you call something a Universal Media Disc when it works in one single product? Just obnoxious.

 

[Seeruk]

Originally posted by: doornail
I am so glad to see customer uproar over this. My biggest fear is people shrugging off this constant erosion of consumer rights until we're paying fees to read roadsigns.

That and Sony sucks. Every stupid thing has to be proprietary with them. From betamax to their memory cards. And how can you call something a Universal Media Disc when it works in one single product? Just obnoxious.

For once I whole-heartedly agree with you

 

[firewall]

Originally posted by: doornail
I am so glad to see customer uproar over this. My biggest fear is people shrugging off this constant erosion of consumer rights until we're paying fees to read roadsigns.

That and Sony sucks. Every stupid thing has to be proprietary with them. From betamax to their memory cards. And how can you call something a Universal Media Disc when it works in one single product? Just obnoxious.