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Microsoft, zlib, and Security Flaws

Posted by timothy on from the not-the-security-initiative-we-had-in-mind dept.

nakhla writes: "News.com is reporting that Microsoft's use of code from the open-source zlib library has led to possible security problems. The flaws in zlib were reported recently, and apply to several key Microsoft technologies, such as DirectX, Front Page, Install Shield, Office, and Internet Explorer. The article also mentions how this is not Microsoft's first use of open-source code in its software, but does point out that since zlib is not GPL'd they are under no obligation to release the source code to any of their products."

5 of 470 comments (clear)

  1. I'm not sure I understand... by YoPt · · Score: 0, Troll

    the real implications behind. I'll proabbly be flamed for just looking for info, but how does this change anything that we have known about MS software being insecure?

  2. Re:Just waiting for the press release... by edrugtrader · · Score: 0, Troll

    actually i'm waiting for all the open source hypocrits to issue a press release noting that this is yet another risk of using microsoft products

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    MARIJUANA, SHROOMS, X: ONLINE?! - E
  3. Re:This wouldn't have happened... by rusty0101 · · Score: 0, Troll

    I beg your pardon, this looks like the same level of Inovation microsoft has been doing since Day one.

    port basic
    buy qdos
    borrow from Apple and Xerox
    borrow from BSD
    borrow from open source.

    ....

    -Rusty

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    You never know...
  4. Re:Just waiting for the press release... by Ooblek · · Score: 0, Troll
    Oh please, so its an OS originated bug and now people are already criticizing Microsoft about it. What do you think they are going to do? Release a patch that does nothing just for the fun of it?

    I don't think Microsoft could ever look good, not matter if the bug is theirs or not. Hell, the next bug found in any OS software should be blamed on Microsoft. Just because they're there.

  5. Re:If we can't see MS's source by Cyno · · Score: 0, Troll


    Because that would be illegal, to use GPL'ed code for commercial use and not release the source. But I'd love to see Microsoft write their own OS from scratch the way GNU did. ;)