It looks like the DRM in the 64-bit version of Windows Vista may not be as strong as Microsoft claims after the co-developer of ReactOS, Alex lonescu claims to have found a way to crack it. The DRM works by using a Protected Environment Microsoft created in Vista to enable a secure encrypted path known as the Protected media Path to be created between the software and graphics card. In order to prevent emulation of a hardware component that could potentially pretend to be a graphics card, drivers must be signed by the vendor and Microsoft for DRM to allow content to be delivered to that component in high definition. Driver signing has also been heavily criticised as being an anti-piracy feature rather than what Microsoft claims is there to fight off malicious software and increase system stability.
The programmer not only created a demonstration of arbitrary code being loaded into the kernel, which PatchGuard is designed to stop, but he is able to get the OS to load his signed driver without being signed by Microsoft and also work without using the test signing mode. However while he still needs to use another special boot flag, he claims his code can counter pretty much any attempt Microsoft may make to report that the system is booted using this special flag and also prevent playback software from detecting anything suspicious. However, as the programmer claims his tool would be definitely a DMCA violation, he does not want to make the tool public in order to avoid legal action.
Thanks to our system admin Liggy for spotting this news.
