Alleged source code leak for Windows XP, spread on 4Chan platform
The source codes for several old Windows version, including Windows XP, Windows server 2003 and Windows 2000 have been allegedly leaked online today.
The leaked data have been shared the 4Chan platform in the form of a torrent file. This torrent file containing the source has total 43GB collection. The alleged hacker has been collecting and compiling the Microsoft source codes for the past two months.
Source code is a human-readable instruction that tell a computer how a program should run. Computer execute this source code complied in binary execution format.
Here are the contents of the leaked files:
- MS DOS 3.30
- MS DOS 6.0
- Windows 2000
- Windows CE 3
- Windows CE 4
- Windows CE 5
- Windows Embedded 7
- Windows Embedded CE
- Windows NT 3.5
- Windows NT 4
The torrent file also includes a media folder that contains a bizarre collection of conspiracy theory video about Bill Gates.
In addition to the 43GB file, a file with 2.9GB 7zip extension contains the source code for Windows XP and Windows server 2003 has also been spread.
According to the leaker, the Windows XP source has been passed around privately between hackers for years. It was the first time when it was released publicly. While many saw the source code, it has not yet confirmed if this is the actual source code for Windows XP or Windows server 2003.
It has been 20 years since Windows XP released. If any modern Windows versions are still using any code, the leak could be a potential security risk. It would be easier for hackers to get a detailed look into the inner working of the operating systems and if any modern versions use the same code and there is some bug they found, they may exploit them and use them in illicit purposes.
The official confirmation for the source code leak is however, still pending.
