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BO2k Released
Mike Hudack
Editor-in-Chief
Discuss BO2k at the BBSystem
The much-awaited security software Back Orifice 2000 was finally released on Sunday at Def Con in Las Vegas. The music blared and cDc members seemed to rejoice in the fact that hundreds were attending the release as part of a standing-room only crowd.
The new version of the famous Back Orifice trojan works not only as a server on Windows 95 and 98, but also on Windows NT. In addition, this version of Back Orifice is open source -- meaning that it can be freely changed by anyone -- making the virus companies´ jobs more difficult.
After the introduction by cDc members, CDs were tossed to the crowd. The first couple dozen were grabbed up and someone made copies -- containing the CIH virus! If you received one of these copies, make sure to scan it for CIH before using it.
As soon as the release happened, thousands and thousands of people tried to reach the official Back Orifice site at bo2k.com, but it was so swamped it wasn´t even responding to most requests. The files still haven´t been posted as of eleven AM on Tuesday morning. One site, phoz.dk, however has posted the source, the binaries and a screen shot in its bo2k section.
Microsoft has traditionally responded to Back Orifice as either "not a threat" or a "malicious virus perpetrated by teenagers." In this case, however, they released a full-fledged security advisory. Meanwhile, virus protection companies scrambled to find ways to detect Back Orifice 2000. Network Associates claimed to have developed a utility almost instantly, the problem is that there will be thousands of mutations released shortly that this utility will not be capable of detecting.
Meanwhile, the hype surrouding BO2k has yet to dissapear. Hundreds of e-mails have been received at OSAll asking about the famed software, and articles have appeared in dozens of mainstream press outlets.
BO2k seems to be living up to its reputation as a fantastic piece of software. The interface is greatly improved as evidenced by this screenshot (Phoz.dk). Furthermore, the amount you can do with it is phenomenal. You´ll have to download it to see the full scope -- but we´ll have an article outlining the greatest features shortly.
It´ll be interesting to see how Microsoft responds when Bo2k starts to mutate. Furthermore, it´ll be interesting to see how soon the hype begins to die down, much like when the original Back Orifice was released. |
