Some weeks ago Sony made the attempt to protect the music from some of the cd´s they distribute by adding a rootkit software which would be installed if the user wanted to play the cd on their personal computer running the Microsoft Windows operating system. The technique had its flaws and was only working on Windows but it still meant that a rootkit was installed on the pc and other scripts could use this rootkit for malicious purposes. After a large outcry from the web community Sony decided to pull the CD’s from the shelves and offer a tool to uninstall the rootkit. (which you would only get through a long process)
Apparently the German movie DVD Mr. and Mrs Smith does contain a rootkit as well. F-Secure confirms that the Settec Alpha-DISC copy protection system is used on the dvd.
The Settec Alpha-DISC copy protection system used on the DVD contains user-mode rootkit-like features to hide itself. The system will hide its own process, but does not appear to hide any files or registry entries. This makes the feature a bit less dangerous, as anti-virus products will still be able to scan all files on the disk.
If you think you are infected by this rootkit you can use the uninstaller from the manufacturers website.
Besides the obvious threat that a rootkit poses many users claim that even standalone dvd players have troubles playing the dvd. I would advise everyone to not buy this dvd and sent a clear message to the company showing them that we don´t want and need rootkits or other means of copy protection on cd´s and dvd´s that we purchased.
Update: The uninstaller is no longer available. Settec on the other hand is still in operation.
Enjoyed the article?: Then sign-up for our free newsletter or RSS feed to kick off your day with the latest technology news and tips, or share the article with your friends and contacts on Facebook or Twitter.Related Articles:
Avast aswMBR, Sophos Anti-Rootkit, Free Rootkit ScannersWorld of Warcraft hackers using Sony BMG rootkit
Sony halts production of ‘rootkit’ CDs
How to remove the Sony – XCP DRM Rootkit
AVG Anti Rootkit free
Yeah, let’s NOT buy that DVD.
Besides, the movie sucks anyway.
This rootkit issue is a desperation move on the part of music industry and its assoc. RIAA. They are doing all they can to stop the music piracy including getting court judgements against the offenders. There is a simple solution. It needs the financial backing of the music industry. No boy else will back up this move. I advocate the development of a system where the power of PC would be reduced to that of communication with the server. The browser will reside in server rather than in the PC. I can be reached by RIAA and the music industry at fakir005@aim.com if they want to provide the financial support. The music companies can do so by donating money outright or by buying pixels at my site and display their ads.
“The technique had its flaws and was only working on windows but it still ment . . .”
Great article, but broham, you gotsta use yer spelchek!