Prelude76 Posted October 8, 2003 Share Posted October 8, 2003 so there is a company called SunnComm which claimed in a press release Aug 27th to have achieved a music CD that works on all platforms, yet can't be copied by any know CD Ripper program. Here is there press release: SunnComm Technologies, Inc, a leader in digital content security and enhancement for optical media, today announced that it successfully completed the external testing phase of its industry-leading MediaMax CD3 technology. The comprehensive test procedures were performed by world renowned Professional Multimedia Test Centre (PMTC) located in Diepenbeek, Belgium.Utilizing a very detailed and extensive testing matrix, the functionality and security level offered by the MediaMax technology was pushed to the limit. The testing results were able to verify playability on consumer electronic devices, stability of the product on computers and robustness of the security features to protect content against unauthorized copying when used with CD ripper programsThe PMTC testing center exposed the MediaMax CDs to an extensive array of consumer electronic CD players including home entertainment systems, car stereos, boom box players, walkman type players and popular DVD players. Test results confirmed that SunnComm’s MediaMax CD’s will provide playability on any consumer’s playback system without exceptions or limitations.CD copy protection robustness tests were performed to determine the security level of the product against unauthorized copying of the digital content. This was completed using a large set of Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh computer systems in tandem with many of the known ripper programs available on the market today. The PMTC determined that none of the ripper programs used in the testing process was able to produce a usable unauthorized copy of the protected CD yielding a verifiable and commendable level of security for the SunnComm product.and now that a CD was released by BMG, this article was posted today:John Halderman at Princeton University's department of computer science checked it out in detail. "MediaMax's protections are ineffective because the driver program can easily be disabled or, depending on the system configuration, it might never be installed to begin with." "As a result, audio content is vulnerable to copying in virtually 100% of deployed systems. SunnComm's press release may be technically correct - if their testers always ran the MediaMax application before trying to copy audio, they likely would see protection in every case. However, in practice the software often fails to start, and when it does start, users can manually surpress it. Here are some examples:# "Computers running Linux or Mac OS 9 can't run the MediaMax software at all, so they can always copy the recording.# "Many users disable the autorun feature, so their systems will be able to copy the disc unless the user manually launches MediaMax.# "Windows users who haven't disabled autorun can suspend it when they play a SunnComm-protected disc by holding down the shift key for a few seconds while inserting the CD. They can then copy the data normally."In all these cases, the audio tracks are left completely unprotected."These vulnerabilities will be difficult or impossible to repair. SunnComm's software can't take any corrective action if it isn't started, and all these flaws involve ways that it is prevented from running in the first place. To make matters worse, MediaMax, unlike earlier copy-prevention techniques, works entirely in software. This means a moderately skilled programmer could, in only a few minutes, write an application to watch for and unload the SbcpHid driver, neutralizing MediaMax's copy resistance while leaving all the disc's other features intact."I'd be staying away from SunnComm stocks. :'( Copy protection that launches with Autorun? what were they thinking? And how could a very detailed and extensive testing matrix miss this obvious flaw? tsk tsk tsk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandomBox Posted October 8, 2003 Share Posted October 8, 2003 Read the rest of the story ‘Shift’ key breaks CD copy locksPrinceton grad student shows how to break BMG’s system By John BorlandOct. 7 — A Princeton University student has published instructions for disabling the new anti-copying measures being tested on CDs by BMG — and they’re as simple as holding down a computer’s Shift key.............................. “This is something we were aware of,†said BMG spokesman Nathaniel Brown. “Copy management is intended as a speed bump, intended to thwart the casual listener from mass burning and uploading. We made a conscious decision to err on the side of playability and flexibility.â€............................................. For his part, Halderman says the workaround is so simple that it’s hard to fix. Nor is he worried about falling afoul of laws that make it illegal to describe how to get around copy-protection measures. "I hardly think that telling people to push Shift constitutes trafficking in a (copy-protection technology) circumvention device,†Halderman said. “I’m not very worried.†Copyright © 1995-2003 CNET Networks, Inc. All rights reserved Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prelude76 Posted October 9, 2003 Author Share Posted October 9, 2003 so basically, what BMG is saying that this is just meant to slow down only retarded computer users who dont know what Autorun is? :rolleyes:if that was their goal, they could just made Autorun.exe launch a message box that says "You are being monitored right now! Do NOT make any illegal copies of this CD or the RIAA will be visiting you shortly!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandomBox Posted October 9, 2003 Share Posted October 9, 2003 Hey Predude76, ................ slow down only retarded computer users..............I think I resemble that remark? Is "auto run" anything like "hit and run"??? Oh, never mind! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ThunderRiver Posted October 10, 2003 Share Posted October 10, 2003 I am abit in shock of the new Anti-Piracy scheme. Did they only target Windows user? If the protection only works when you let the protection software to load, wouldn't it fail in Mac or Linux/BSD?ThunderRiver Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GolfProRM Posted October 10, 2003 Share Posted October 10, 2003 I am abit in shock of the new Anti-Piracy scheme. Did they only target Windows user? If the protection only works when you let the protection software to load, wouldn't it fail in Mac or Linux/BSD?ThunderRiverYup... see part of the quote in the original post:# "Computers running Linux or Mac OS 9 can't run the MediaMax software at all, so they can always copy the recording. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havnblast Posted October 10, 2003 Share Posted October 10, 2003 You see the news today - now they are talking that they will probably sue the student. This insanity thing has got to stop, give it up people. What can be made can be broken and these companies are only showing their true intelligence spending all this money and time to have it cracked by a simple marker or press of a key.I really hope the student prevails! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SonicDragon Posted October 10, 2003 Share Posted October 10, 2003 You see the news today - now they are talking that they will probably sue the student.I also saw that. They are crazy! (it's on sonicdragon.net too) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prelude76 Posted October 10, 2003 Author Share Posted October 10, 2003 sue which student? a student that reported how to bypass protection by pressing SHIFT key?if so, that's DMCA showing its true and evil face. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havnblast Posted October 10, 2003 Share Posted October 10, 2003 Yes it was the student that published a how-to push the shift key Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peachy Posted October 10, 2003 Share Posted October 10, 2003 SunnComm to sue John Haldeman according to the Register. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ThunderRiver Posted October 10, 2003 Share Posted October 10, 2003 Well, it is expected..The guy that cracked DVD DECSS is still being sued.. and why do you think that stud can get away with it? ;)It would be nice if I can see the paper myself... You know if it is just as simple as pressing the shift key, I am hoping the paper is not like 15 pages long.. That would be bloated.*update* On my gosh.. I found the paperHTML Format: http://www.cs.princeton.edu/~jhalderm/cd3/PDF Format: http://www.cs.princeton.edu/~jhalderm/pape...ers/drm2002.pdfI gotta tell ya, it is worse than I expected.. 18 pages! This grad is truly is a dull boy, but impressive enough to expand one sentence into 18 pages.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havnblast Posted October 10, 2003 Share Posted October 10, 2003 Might as well sue every linux and mac operating system than too, cause their protection fails in those operating systems too. No special instructions needed, but the media was made aware of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prelude76 Posted October 10, 2003 Author Share Posted October 10, 2003 OMG, the world has gone MAD! The company said today it will take legal action (sue for $10million) against Halderman for revealing how MediaMax CD3 can be bypassed by holding down a Windows PC's Shift key when a protected disc is inserted.and the fine print for Sunncomm's copy protection tells you that if the MediaMax fails to load, (as in autorun is disabled), you MUST run LAUNCHCD.EXE before using the CD. *BANGS HEAD AGAINST WALL* People, this is NOT copy protection if you tell your customers to manually run the copy protection. Sunncomm seems like a pathetic company that spend lots of money on a useless pathetic copy protection scheme, and is now trying to rake in thru lawsuits with the DMCA, almost as if it was their intent all along. <_<P.S. - so, if someone doesnt choose to run LaunchCD.exe, does that classify as 'bypassing copy protection' and therefore makes you a criminal? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandomBox Posted October 10, 2003 Share Posted October 10, 2003 ................. and This Just In ............................Threat of lawsuit passes for student (http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/archives/2003/10/10/news/8797.shtml)SunnComm backs down from lawsuit against a computer science grad studentJosh Brodie Princetonian Staff WriterSunnComm Technologies, Inc. announced yesterday morning it would sue first-year graduate student John Halderman over his recent critique of the company's new CD copy-protection method, but by the end of the day SunnComm president and CEO Peter Jacobs said he changed his mind.Jacobs said in an interview late last night that a successful lawsuit would do little to reverse the damage done by the paper Halderman published Monday about his research, and any suit would likely hurt the research community by making computer scientists think twice about researching copy-protection technology."I don't want to be the guy that creates any kind of chilling effect on research," Jacobs said. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snidely Posted October 10, 2003 Share Posted October 10, 2003 <uncloak>and the fine print for Sunncomm's copy protection tells you that if the MediaMax fails to load, (as in autorun is disabled), you MUST run LAUNCHCD.EXE before using the CD.I have a sign on my front door which says:Attention! Before entering the house, burglars are required to press the red "Summon Police" button located beneath the doorbell. Thank you. Steve<engage cloaking> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littlebone Posted October 11, 2003 Share Posted October 11, 2003 SunnComm Technologies, Inc. announced yesterday morning it would sue first-year graduate student John Halderman over his recent critique of the company's new CD copy-protection method, but by the end of the day SunnComm president and CEO Peter Jacobs said he changed his mind.Jacobs said in an interview late last night that a successful lawsuit would do little to reverse the damage done by the paper Halderman published Monday about his research, and any suit would likely hurt the research community by making computer scientists think twice about researching copy-protection technology."I don't want to be the guy that creates any kind of chilling effect on research," Jacobs said.Perhaps he was afraid he would draw the same judge that dismissed the Fox lawsuit against Al Franken. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ThunderRiver Posted October 11, 2003 Share Posted October 11, 2003 SunnComm Technologies, Inc. is really weird. They aren't focusing on improving their security.. Instead they sue people for "changing their company agenda "Mm.. why does that make me think of Dilbert? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
siebkens Posted October 11, 2003 Share Posted October 11, 2003 I have a sign on my front door which says:Attention! Before entering the house, burglars are required to press the red "Summon Police" button located beneath the doorbell. Thank you. Steve<engage cloaking>You probably should post a EULA below the "Summon Police" button for them to sign before they engage the "Summon Police" button! :lol:Otherwise, you're probably liable in a class action lawsuit: Burglers who accidentally summoned the police to their crime scene & got tossed in the pokey. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LilBambi Posted October 12, 2003 Share Posted October 12, 2003 (edited) Wired.com article 10/11/2003: Shift-Key Case Rouses DMCA FoesThe recent flap about a Princeton University student who found a way to beat music CD copy protection reignited calls to change a controversial copyright law. John "Alex" Halderman discovered that by simply pressing the Shift key when loading a copy-protected music CD into a computer's hard drive, he could disable SunnComm Technologies' MediaMax CD-3 software, which is supposed to prevent CDs from being ripped.He published his finding on his website. On Wednesday, shortly after the disclosure, SunnComm's stock plummeted 25 percent. The company then threatened to sue the student, charging him with violating the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, or DMCA. Edited October 12, 2003 by LilBambi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandomBox Posted October 12, 2003 Share Posted October 12, 2003 This is a duplicate topic! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LilBambi Posted October 12, 2003 Share Posted October 12, 2003 (edited) Please post the originating topic location.ThanksEDIT: Nevermind, I found it. :)Topics merged. Edited October 12, 2003 by LilBambi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandomBox Posted October 12, 2003 Share Posted October 12, 2003 sorry LilBambi I was just too lazy to search for it! :'( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LilBambi Posted October 12, 2003 Share Posted October 12, 2003 No worries. Just needed to know where the original was so I could merge them. :'( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
epp_b Posted October 13, 2003 Share Posted October 13, 2003 What a loser-company! They obviously don't care a thing about improving security and anti-piracy techniques, because they'd rather make profits by suing some student who was so-easily able to break their pathetic excuse for software initialization, rather than use this information as constructive critisism and improve their products.Saying that you must launch a program before using the CD is like telling the thug who's about to mug you to give you a 20-minute head-start run to the police station: it's totally unrealistic and lazy of SunComm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peachy Posted October 13, 2003 Share Posted October 13, 2003 SunnComm is now saying they won't sue Halderman, but they are upset that he published a how-to by pointing out which files and .dlls to delete. That, they say, violates the DMCA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
epp_b Posted October 13, 2003 Share Posted October 13, 2003 Ah...hello?! For once, would a business at least try too look on the bright side??I suppose they'd rather have this bug notice more privately distributed (via e-mail, for example), and then take even longer for them to find out, causing even more damage... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prelude76 Posted October 14, 2003 Author Share Posted October 14, 2003 I have a sign on my front door which says:Attention! Before entering the house, burglars are required to press the red "Summon Police" button located beneath the doorbell. Thank you. good one!I should have just put a sign in my car about 6 months ago that said "Please use the key attached to the door handle if you wish to steal my stereo system. Please, you do not need to break my windows, ok?" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prelude76 Posted October 14, 2003 Author Share Posted October 14, 2003 SunnComm is now saying they won't sue Halderman, but they are upset that he published a how-to by pointing out which files and .dlls to delete. That, they say, violates the DMCA.i think even that is a weak DMCA arguement. If he posted information how to replace the original .DLL with 'hacked' versions, or how to Hex edit SunnComm's LAUNCHCD.EXE to kill the program, ok, that would be against DMCA. But telling people what files to delete and/or registry settings to change, that is normal computer operation. You have a right to delete any file, and change your registry to whatever you want in Windows, as long as you dont tamper and reverse engineer a file. I think he just lets you how to disable AutoPlay in Windows, and how to remove the drivers for the LaunchCD.EXE program if they've already been installed. what's so evil about that?But i think i found the REAL reason for lawsuit:On Wednesday, shortly after the disclosure, SunnComm's stock plummeted 25 percent.I think the lawsuit was a knee-jerk reaction to the drop in stock price, instead of blaming their idiotic engineering or management team. besides, its just an Over-the-Counter unlisted stock, and those fluctuate 25+% at ANY news. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ibe98765 Posted October 14, 2003 Share Posted October 14, 2003 I have a sign on my front door which says:Attention! Before entering the house, burglars are required to press the red "Summon Police" button located beneath the doorbell. Thank you. good one!I should have just put a sign in my car about 6 months ago that said "Please use the key attached to the door handle if you wish to steal my stereo system. Please, you do not need to break my windows, ok?" Ha! When people started mass stealing of those Alpine, etc. radios back in the early 80's, I saw a story on it in one of the NY newspapers. They had a photo of a sign in the window of one car that said:No Radio!Doors are not locked!A friend of mine who has an old jeep in NYC doesn't even have doors on it. Of course, there isn't a radio (and not much else except for seats and a steering wheel). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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