The source code for various versions of Microsoft Windows operating systems have been allegedly leaked online, following the discovery of files on an online forum.
The files, spread on the anonymous forum 4chan, contained the alleged source codes for Windows XP SP1, Windows NT 3.5, as well as the original Xbox.
Although the legitimacy of the files have been questioned by 4chan users, some security researchers believe that the source codes could be genuine.
Cylance principal software architect Greg Linares said on Twitter that the leaked source code for the Windows XP SP1 operating system, originally released in 2002, “looks pretty legit”.
The screenshot of the files was posted by Twitter user @RoninDey, who claimed that the source codes were “bundled in the torrent” and uploaded onto cloud storage and file hosting service Mega.
The Windows XP operating system has not been supported by Microsoft since 2014. Likewise, Windows NT 3.5 stopped being supported in 2001.
However, some has raised concerns that the leak could allow hackers to spot code that was potentially reused in later versions of Windows.
"It is important to remember that Operating Systems are constantly evolving, meaning that the old source code could provide clues that allow hackers to spot vulnerabilities in the more recent versions," said Ray Walsh, digital privacy expert at ProPrivacy.
RELATED RESOURCE
Managing security risk and compliance in a challenging landscape
How key technology partners grow with your organisation
"Although Microsoft completely stopped providing updates and support for the deprecated XP operating system in 2014, there is ample evidence that the NHS and UK ambulances still operate systems using the defunct operating system.
"This means that the recent leak of the Windows XP source code could be much more problematic than first meets the eye."
A Microsoft spokesperson told IT Pro that the company is "investigating the matter".
-
What is polymorphic malware?Explainer Polymorphic malware constantly changes its code to avoid detection, making it a top cybersecurity threat that demands advanced, behavior-based defenses
-
Outgoing Kaseya CEO teases "this is just the beginning" for the companyOpinion We spoke to Fred Voccola who remains a key figurehead at the firm as it enters its next chapter...
-
Tiny11 review: Windows 11 with only 2GB of RAMReview A version of Windows 11 for older machines that don't meet the full requirements
-
Red Hat Enterprise Linux becomes foundational operating system for Cohesity Data CloudNews New strategic partnership between Red Hat and Cohesity aims to drive innovation in the data security and management space
-
Ubuntu shifts to four-week update cycleNews Critical fixes will also come every two weeks, mitigating the issues involved with releasing prompt patches on the old three-week cadence
-
AlmaLinux follows Oracle in ditching RHEL compatibilityNews Application binary compatibility is now the aim with 1:1 now dropped
-
How big is the Windows 10 cliff-edge?ITPro Network With some comparing the upcoming Windows 10 end of life to Windows XP, we ask members of the ITPro Network for their insight
-
Everything you need to know about the latest Windows 11 updates - from bug fixes to brand-new featuresNews Two new cumulative updates are on the way and will be installed automatically on Windows 10 and Windows 11 machines
-
How to download a Windows 11 ISO file and perform a clean installTutorial Use a Windows 11 ISO to install the operating system afresh
-
We could all benefit from better Windows and macOS accessibility featuresOpinion Today’s accessibility features can help you work through a nasty injury, but there’s still plenty of room for improvement
