Source code for Microsoft Windows leaked
AP
February 13, 2004
SEATTLE Microsoft Corp. says incomplete portions of the source code for some versions of its Windows computer operating system were leaked over the Internet, but analysts caution it’s too early to say how much damage the leak may cause.
Spokesman Tom Pilla said the pieces of source code, the tightly guarded blueprint of its dominant computer operating system, were for Microsoft’s Windows 2000 and Windows NT4.0 operating systems.
Access to the source code could allow hackers to exploit the operating system and attack machines running some versions of Windows. Several versions of the operating system, including the ones containing leaked code, are used on hundreds of millions of computers worldwide.
Such access also could provide a competitive edge to Microsoft rivals, which would gain a much better understanding of the inner workings of the company’s technology.
Microsoft was made aware of the leak Thursday and was investigating, Pilla said. He did not know how much of the code had been leaked, when the leak occurred or how many people might have gained access to it. The company could not immediately pinpoint the source of the leak and has contacted law enforcement authorities, he said.
....cont'd
http://www.iht.com/articles/129482.htmlThe International Herald Tribune | www.iht.com