Root-kit found in norton systemworkd

joey · 01-12-2006, 10:22 AM

eWeek reports a rootkit-like 'feature' in Symantec's Norton Systemworks, discovered by the Mark Russinovich, who was also responsible for blowing the whistle on Sony's DRM rootkit. The cloaked directory is intended to prevent users from accidentally deleting important files, but could compromise a system by serving as a hiding place for malware, as was the case with Sony's rootkit. Russinovich says Symantec had good intentions, but they were right to post an update to fix this hole.

Read more here http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,1910077,00.asp

dgridley · 01-12-2006, 12:30 PM

Just read about this.. interesting article that should be posted around. I'm not a big Norton fan in any case.

**Lyte** · 01-12-2006, 05:52 PM

Okay, this is just rediculous! A software security company giving hackers a cozy place to hide their crap!

I had to look up "rootkit" so for those who didn't know either,...

"A hacker security tool that captures passwords and message traffic to and from a computer. A collection of tools that allows a hacker to provide a backdoor into a system, collect information on other systems on the network, mask the fact that the system is compromised, and much more. Rootkit is a classic example of Trojan Horse software. Rootkit is available for a wide range of operating systems."

A devious thought has come to mind... I wonder if Norton wasn't using their customers are pawns/bait to see how hackers (in new and different ways) might exploit this area of programming. Kind of like leaving a back door open on purpose to see who is comes in! :mad:

Lyte

dgridley · 01-13-2006, 02:16 AM

Now there's something that hadn't occurred to me! Leave it to a woman!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lyte

A devious thought has come to mind... I wonder if Norton wasn't using their customers are pawns/bait to see how hackers (in new and different ways) might exploit this area of programming. Kind of like leaving a back door open on purpose to see who is comes in! :mad:

Lyte

**Lyte** · 01-13-2006, 02:27 AM

Hey now, that was the ex-cop side of me! The side that's always looking for someone's "angle!" :p

Lyte

p.s. LOVE the avatar! LOL

dgridley · 01-13-2006, 10:42 AM

Thanks about the avatar.. it's animated.. dunno why it's static here?

Yeah, I was never a cop, but I'm from (upstate) NY and have always had that suspicious side. Drove my ex-GF nuts, she hated that I wasn't more trusting of people.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lyte

Hey now, that was the ex-cop side of me! The side that's always looking for someone's "angle!" :p

Lyte

p.s. LOVE the avatar! LOL