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The Hidden Boot Code of the Xbox

Device666 writes "In order to lock out both copied games as well as homebrew software, including the GNU/Linux operating system, Microsoft built a chain of trust on the Xbox reaching from the hardware to the execution of game code, in order to avoid the infiltration of code that has not been authorized by Microsoft. The link between hardware and software in this chain of trust is the hidden "MCPX" boot ROM. The principles, the implementations and the security vulnerabilities of this 512 bytes ROM will be discussed in this wikipedia article entitled How to fit three bugs in 512 bytes of security code."

2 of 284 comments (clear)

  1. Why?! by Fringex · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    Why can't people just play the XBox instead of hacking it? I mean seriously, you don't see me hacking my XBox. I buy a game, I play a game. It is quite simple.

    Sure the arguement can be brought up that some people want to know how it works. Well? Go work for a bloody gaming company who designs how it works.

    I read these articles and think to myself... You know they sure do like to brand Microsoft as bug filled. But damn can't we at least brand the people who are breaking the EULA's and such for these "hacks." Microsoft made a game system for people to enjoy games on.

    If they had three freaking bugs, whoopy do. At least I am not the unscrupulous individual who is taking the time and effort into doing something that is morally wrong.

    1. Re:Why?! by Fringex · · Score: 0, Flamebait

      Holy hell. Every moron replied to my thread. Mark me up as flamebait I fucking love it.

      The moderators for slashdot need a lesson in moderation.