Nmap Featured in The Matrix Reloaded

rajiv was among dozens to report that unlike most "Hacks" in film, The Matrix reloaded actually has an ounce of reality where other films would rely on fancy 3D graphics. You can see more at Insecure.org where they have screenshots. It's only on screen for a split second, but Tritnity uses Nmap to find a vulnerable SSH server, and then exploits it using the SSH1 CRC32 exploit from 2001.

Comments

And there was much rejoicing..

[Trevalyx]

When I went to the 1AM showing on release night, there were a lot of interesting people.. When it got to the hacking scene, only a few people cheered, however, they did it with enough vigor that everyone else was caught of guard.. And when I tried to explain to the guy nibbling his foot next to me, "Nmap," I just got a blank stare...

zero-day warez screenshots?

[Speare]

Where did the nmap folks get all these screenshots of a movie that's ostensibly fresh-in-theaters? And why oh why did they name their sources? I'm imagining Agent Smith from the MPAA will be giving out a few cease and desist visits soon.

Re:zero-day warez screenshots?

[ThePatrioticFuck]

If you read the article @ Insecure, the guy says when he heard it was in the movie, he asked if anybody could send him some screen captures and ended up being flooded with pics, video, etc. And mentions he found it strange that many of them showed Windows Media Player in the capture :) TPF

Theories and Spoilers

[neema]

Off-topic on the nmap discussion, but on-topic as far the Matrix goes, here is something I just thought of. It's pack full of spoilers for reloaded and speculation about revolutions, so consider that your warning.

SPOILERS AND SPECULATION FOLLOW:

Now, the theory that Zion is really a matrix within a matrix has been floating around and I happen to agree with it. The premise of the movie, I think, is that not only is Neo "The One" from the first layer of the matrix (which was exposed in the first movie), but happens also to be the small percentage that becomes "The One" in the second layer of the matrix, something the machines didn't count on.

As for him having to make a decision between saving Trinity and saving mankind, I don't think he's gotten to the choice yet and that will come in revolutions. The Architect said that the expulsion of humans from the first matrix servered a purpose for the machines, so, theoretically, perhaps Morpheus, Trinity and the rest of them are actually computer programs, to assist moving the dissident population of the first layer of the matrix to the second layer. Of course, there is a possibility they are not aware of their own existance. This would explain Morpheus' adamant belief in "The One" (it's been programmed in him). Of course, Neo's love for Trinity complicates things and I think that will be the choice in the third matrix. He will have to decide between destroying this second layer of the matrix, which would destroy Trinity the computer program too, or preserving it because of his love for her.

Feel free to point out flaws, because I'd really appreciate that.

Re:Theories and Spoilers

[Jason H. Smith]

Just got back from my third viewing tonight. It took that many times for all that architect talk to sink in. A few thoughts...

First, AFAICT, they are definitely still in the Matrix. The architect is intentionally difficult to follow, but I think his point was, the 99% acceptance rate is nice, but something must be done with those who do not accept. And the answer is simply have the Matrix make them think they busted out. Also, there's no need for any meta-Matrix, as the first Matrix could easily simulate the escape. Think chroot vs. user-mode Linux. But that's a small point.

If you watch again, you will notice the Merelvengian (sp) say that Neo's predecessors had much more respect, and also that he has survived those predecessors, and he will survive Neo. But that's all said before you know what he means. But what I got is that eventually, the shit hits the fan, and they just reboot the whole damned thing every hundred years or so (not a bad uptime).

Also, unlike you, I think he made the choice. Neo chose not to go to the source. At first, I thought this was weird, because the Neos on TV did the same. I thought this was the previous recordings (i.e. all 6 made the same choice); but after watching again, it looks like the TVs are showing now, not the past. That makes sense. This is the first time Neo made the wrong choice. I'm thinking this fits the Hollywood formula pretty well. The previous 5 Neos were simply benevolent mankind-lovers; but this time, we get the predictable theme that love conquers all or such.

I thought it was pretty cool, but the plot is treading into dangerous ground. When you start blurring reality with dreams, you're walking on cheesy, overused deus ex machina storylines. It's easy to get lame and make crap. E.g. look at how dumb Existenz ended up being. But then, I liked Total Recall, so there is hope for a great finale.

So I think there's still a lot up for grabs. Since Zion and the war are still a computer simulation, for all we know, there might not even be a war going on at all! Although there probably is, since it wouldn't be very Hollywood to just handwave away two movies worth of bad guys.

Anyway, I'm thinking now that they know they're still in the matrix, perhaps the people in Zion will start breaking the rules and have some actual means of fighting the approaching machine army? Or maybe they'll all just pop up a level, leaving the machine army there to twiddle their thumbs.

Re:Theories and Spoilers

[OmniVector]

****SPOILER ALERT****

I think the best explination i've heard, or at least the one I like the most, is someone said Neo is really just a computer program too. The purpose of Neo, and the whole reason 5 different versions of him have existed alreay, is to try and find the "perfect" AI. The Matrix is really run by humans, the the humans are trying to find a version of Neo that will truely be human enough to be considedered actual AI.

If you remember where Trinity types in her password to crack the power system, Z1ON0101, the binary 0101 translates to 5. Is Trinity aware of this being the 5th incarnation through the fact that she too is just a computer program or is this just odd coincidence?

For the people who say the 2nd was too much action, and not enough plot i think it was twice the plot and action... This second one raises a lot more mindfuck questions.