Re: Theory of hash funcs

From: Roger Schlafly (rogersc@mindspring.com)
Date: 03/30/03 

From: "Roger Schlafly" <rogersc@mindspring.com>
Date: Sun, 30 Mar 2003 20:07:15 GMT

"David Wagner" <daw@mozart.cs.berkeley.edu> wrote
> No kidding. I almost couldn't believe it when I heard that this
> "theoretical weakness" actually allowed to bypass the Xbox protection
> in practice.

There is now another Xbox exploit that allows user to boot Linux
without replacing the ROM chip. From what I read, it appears not
to use the hash function weakness, and instead uses a buffer
overflow bug in the code that some games use to save the
current disk. It allows booting Linux, but not running unlicensed
games. See:
http://slashdot.org/articles/03/03/30/1337234.shtml?tid=106

I assume that the buffer overflow bug is Msft's, since it appears
in several different games. Msft's Xbox game loader will only
run programs with a good digital signature, but that does not
protect against a signed program having a buffer overflow.

Relevant Pages

  • Xbox marks its spot
    ... The latest Microsoft game system is set for launch - and aimed at Sony ... It might appear to be only about fun and games, ... Corp. the launch of its new Xbox 360 video game console on Tuesday is ...
    (alt.games.video.xbox)
  • Re: 10 Reasons not to buy a PS3
    ... want to drop $60 for) the PS3 is not your system. ... most Xbox 360 games retail ... There is a lack of budget titles for all new-gen systems. ... Xbox 360 just recently started its "Platinum Hits" line, at $29, so it won't ...
    (alt.games.video.xbox)
  • Details on the November 06 Upgrade
    ... Xbox Live Arcade ... Fast enumeration of games: Remember how long it took for all your ... HD DVD, DVD, and Video ... Support for 50-Hz HDTV modes. ...
    (alt.games.video.xbox)
  • Re: Update is there
    ... Xbox LIVE Marketplace ... to the Video Store, which is joined by the Game Store on the Marketplace ... As you may have heard, there's now a new category of downloadable games, ... Friends ...
    (uk.games.video.xbox)
  • Re: Why the US is not the be all and end all to videogames sales
    ... especially if the system is doing most of its sales in Japan, ... the games have to be translated more often for that market to the US ... sold decently on the PS3 worldwide but not better than the Xbox 360 ... The best-selling PS3 game on the list? ...
    (alt.games.video.xbox)