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Microsoft Patches Fix IE, Sony Flaws
An anonymous reader writes "Microsoft issued two security updates today, one of which fixes at least four flaws in its Internet Explorer browser, including one for which an exploit was released over Thanksgiving that is now being used by a handful of porn sites to install spyware, etc. According to Washingtonpost.com, the IE patch also removes a component left behind by a patch from Sony BMG designed to remove some of the more dangerous features of anti-piracy software installed by Sony BMG music CDs. Researchers found that the Sony patch changed settings in IE so that any Web site could install software on those machines."
Wow...Microsoft cleaning up after Sony? It's like oil companies issuing nicotine patches to clean up after tobacco companies. The big fight this winter is evil vs. evil. Wooo!
An old-timer with old-timey ideas.
Re the Sony spyware saga, it's also worth checking out Ed Felten's latest article on XCP's eviller twin, Suncomm Mediamax. Seems Mediamax made the fatal mistake of setting out their entire scheme in an SEC filing.
Or there could be pigs flying somewhere, I don't know.
:P )
I think you mispelled "chairs".
(sorry, couldn't resist
If Microsoft released a patch right away, administrators would complain they are patching too often and forcing them to test internal software more.
If Microsoft waits for the patch cycle, slashdotters complain Microsoft is purposely holding out so that they can sell anti-virus
And normal computer users, they don't patch so it really does matter
HD-DVD vs. Blu-Ray, Xbox 360 vs. PS3, and then there's Microsoft's move into the music business. Must say there's not many things more satisfying than pointing out (and fixing) the wrongdoings of the "competition" -- ain't that right, fellow slashbots?
Pretty much. It installs poorly coded filters on the CD drives - if installed in the middle of an IO you could get a blue screen. Mark discussed this in detail.
Much safer to remove during reboot otherwise you'd hear screams of, "The patch BSOD'd my computer!"
You'll be glad to know that, due to the PS3's extensive Wifi capabilities, Sony will be able to install copy protection on every computer in your house the moment the PS3 is powered up. Sony plans to include Linux and OSX exploits for those of you who try to be clever about it. The installed software will cause any computer to crash immediately, which Sony hails as a great technological breakthrough since their last technology, which could only destroy OSX but not Windows or Linux. And as for what happens if you try to copy a Blu-Ray disc...let's just say it's not so much "managed" copy as it is "melted" copy.
Neat!
So, since MS is keeping Sony from installing their "DRM" spy^H^H^Hsoftware, you can say they are circumventing Sony's DRM software, PLAINLY against the DMCA. The only question is.....who do we cheer for when evil sues evil over evil with evil laws?
-mix