Cisco IOS Source Code Theft Story Continues

securitas writes "eWEEK's Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols reports that the source code for Cisco's 'main networking device operating system was stolen on Thursday' (May 13) according to the Russian company SecurityLab. SecurityLab says that criminals broke into Cisco's network and stole 800MB of source code for IOS 12.3 and IOS 12.3t, a pre-release variant. The purported culprit(s) then bragged about the feat in an IRC session and offered 2.5 MB of the code as proof. Industry analysts Dell'Oro Group says that 'Cisco owns 62 percent of the core router market.' More at the Sydney Morning Herald and Windows Network magazine." Our original coverage was here of this story.

Comments

backdoor

[sleepnmojo]

They could have at least posted the code for the backdoor in all the routers.

Re:backdoor

[thpdg]

Have you ever tried to configure any Cisco equipment? Even if you had the password, you'd give up in frustration after a few minutes. The only ones who can do it, are the ones who have a lot of experience with it. That's the real security of the plan!

The internet seems faster today.

[JPriest]

I notice this morning that since the code leak the Internet has been faster, more stable, and I get packeted less often. Since the code leak I also lost 5 pounds and I swear my erectioin this morning was larger. *phone rings* That must be my bank calling to tell me they lowered my intrest rates.

Re:The internet seems faster today.

[System.out.println()]

And on top of all that, I just saved a bunch of money on my car insurance by switching to Geico!

Please remove code

[fearlezz]

Please, everybody! Please remove the source code from the internet ASAP before SCO sees it and claims ownership!!

unlikely

[beware1000]

In other news, Microsoft, Valve and Cisco to give free seminars on network security!

Suspect profile

[Anonymous Coward]

Here is my suspect profile:

1. French or German
2. Linux/open source zealot
3. Lives in parents basement
4. Showers monthly

Seminar sessions

[T-Kir]

In the seminars I can imagine how Cisco would explain they're love of being shafted, hence all the backdoor access (pun intended!)...

...Microsoft will just blab about how they CAN be trusted, and show everyone pretty pictures and a Matrix spoof to distract everyone...

..while Valve gets the dates for the seminar mixed up and turn up 6 months later.

Re:Can you imagine...

[skasingularity]

Sure there would be problems, but I think most people would opt for watching TV or going outside. Some businesses would stall, and slashdot users would probably try and hang themselves with their mice, but I think a relatively large part of the world would continue to operate.

Just because you rely on the internet, doesn't mean the entire world does too.

Re:Can you imagine...

[iapetus]

Personally I take offence at your narrow typecasting of Slashdot users.

Some of us use wireless mice, and would have to resort to hanging ourselves with VGA cables.

That's why corps should stick to dial-up..

[Anonymous Coward]

..they would have noticed then if 800 MB was being downloaded.

Funny lines in the source code

[MavEtJu]

/*
* Juniper engineers are weenies!
*/

Re:Can you imagine...

[banzai51]

I have stolen the entire source code for Lunix. I'm gong to distribute it and see how long before EVERY linux server is down.