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Archos 605 WiFi Hacked
Nathan Ramella writes "The ARCwelder project has released a technique dubbed 'Go Fighting Tabby!' which exploits an unquoted system() call through the Archos UI, providing the ability to execute arbitrary code with root access on the Archos 605 WiFi. In doing so, opening the platform up for further hacking. The Archos 605 WiFi runs embedded Linux on an ARM processor, but employs a variety of anti-hack techniques to keep users from modifying its firmware and operating system. Included is a cross-compiled sshd with configuration files to allow for passwordless ssh access to the Archos when it is connected to a WiFi connection. Bricks ahoy!"
I hear that model is shiftless.
I am so glad this happened - Archos should be happy too! I bought an Archos 605 during the boxing week specials since I heard that it runs linux under the hood. I was EXTREMELY disappointed when I found out that I could not run any third party apps, especially my own and I was about to return the device ASAP (no returns allowed during boxing week). However, now that the device has been opened up, I am definitely NOT returning it! I am suddenly thrilled with my purchase and I am thinking about BUYING ONE MORE UNIT if I can find another good deal on it! Thats right! I want another one - one as a media player, and another as a linux PDA! What a great little toy it will be! So Archos ... if you want more people like me to support you - don't close the unit up. Open it up and allow for modding. You will loose nothing but gain a wider customer base.
(As a side note, a compromise could have easily have been accomplished by Archos by giving an unsupported firmware that opens up the unit but wipes out all the DRM support so no loss there for anyone who wants an open device and does not want to use it for buying/renting media. But honestly, when it comes to DRM, as we all know it doesn't deter the pirates but hurts legitimate users.)