FBI Investigating Cisco Source Code Leak
Computerworld continues its reporting of Cisco’s source code leak, which has many ISPs and major companies re-examining their access control lists.
The problem, apparently, is that 800MB of Cisco source code for the Internetworking Operating System 12.3 and 12.3T systems was found on a Russian website. The Russians took the site down when requested by Cisco, but the feeling is that the bad guys have this code and are exploring it for weaknesses.
Is this a serious threat? Hard to tell. On the one hand, exploits have been found against various operating systems without having the source-code handy. On the other hand, having the source might make it easier to turn a router-crashing exploit into one that might result in a router compromise.
Personally, I think that the real risk in having the source code out is a legal one. With the code out, some enterprising hacker might discover that Cisco’s IOS actually has some copylefted code in it. If that code is present, then it would mean that all of IOS is contaminated and needs to be published as open source… I’m not saying that this has happened, but you gotta let a guy have his dreams…
Deep Dive
Uncategorized
Embracing CX in the metaverse
More than just meeting customers where they are, the metaverse offers opportunities to transform customer experience.
Identity protection is key to metaverse innovation
As immersive experiences in the metaverse become more sophisticated, so does the threat landscape.
The modern enterprise imaging and data value chain
For both patients and providers, intelligent, interoperable, and open workflow solutions will make all the difference.
Scientists have created synthetic mouse embryos with developed brains
The stem-cell-derived embryos could shed new light on the earliest stages of human pregnancy.
Stay connected
Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review
Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.