Microsoft claims successful patch against FairUse4WM 1.2

The last time we heard from Microsoft on the topic of FairUse4WM, the infamous PlaysForSure stripping application, it was a red-alert memo after the release of version 1.2 pledging to patch that version as they had the first. Now, it occurs to us that once the floodgates have been opened there might not be any going back, but read the latest memo for yourself -- we're reserving judgment, namely because we're not DRM (or anti-DRM) developers.

---copied from source---
Subject: Notification: WMDRM Circumvention Patch Available

MICROSOFT CONFIDENTIAL

This email provides information about Microsoft's technical response to the FairUse4WM circumvention tool that is currently circulating on various Internet sites, which decrypts content protected by WMDRM. On September 19th, 2006, Microsoft released a new update to the Individualized Blackbox component (IBX) which thwarts all currently known versions of the FairUse4WM circumvention tool.

Supported platforms at this time include Windows Media Format SDK 9.5 and Windows Media Format SDK 11 Beta 2 on Windows XP, as well as the version of Windows Media Format SDK 11 that ships with Windows Vista Release Candidate 1. This update is not yet available for the Windows Media Format 9 Series FSDK or for users of Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 Update Rollup 2. Users of Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 Update Rollup 2 can be encouraged to download and install Windows Media Player 11 Beta 2, which is compatible with these robustness updates.

Partner feedback from our previous release was that it was important that we increment the Security Version of the IBX, allowing them to detect the presence of the update remotely. The following code snippet shows how to check for the existence of the IBX component Security Version on a client computer from the Rights Manager Server. (Verify that that the client system reports Security Version of 2.8 or greater.)

Get the secure DRM component (individualization) version.
Set LicenseObj = Server.CreateObject("wmrmobjs.wmrmlicgen")
LicenseObj.ClientInfo = strClientInfo
LicenseObj.GetClientVersion cat2, ver2
iSecurityVersion_major = round(ver2/256)
iSecurityVersion_minor = ver2 mod 256

If the user's machine is on a platform that supports the update, you can initiate a re-individualization in one of two ways:

1) Send them to this web site, which will force a re-indiv (requires Internet Explorer).

http://drmlicense.one.microsoft.com/Indivsite/en/indivit.asp

2.) Use the FSDK APIs referenced below, which will force a re-indiv (requires an FSDK Certificate).

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/wmform95/htm/individualizingdrmapplications.asp

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact [email removed]. Thank you for your continued understanding and confidentiality as we resolve these critical matters.

Best Regards,
Joseph R. Jones
Breach Response Program Manager
Consumer Media Technologies
Microsoft Corp.
------------------------------

You're most welcome for the understanding and confidentiality!

[Deluxe @ Sep 25th 2006 7:47AM]

Complete this sequence. v1.0, v1.1, v1.2...

[Blake @ Sep 25th 2006 8:23AM]

It just seems to me that microsoft is making people go through trouble to downgrade their machines. It doesn't even seem this is available through windows update(yet anyway).

"Yes, we've found that there's a program that could enhance your music listening experience by doing some things we and our partners aren't exactly happy with. Please go through the trouble to download this patch to keep your music listening experience trapped in a cage."

[Intrepid @ Sep 25th 2006 8:41AM]

@ Blake

Microsoft and Apple are just doing as the precious RIAA tells them to. We all hate DRM and it should at least be universal - but it's not. Oneday it'll disappear (oneday soon)... until then, get over it.

[k @ Sep 25th 2006 8:55AM]

meh, take DRM'd WMA files...burn to CD...DRM gone.

[Fuzz @ Sep 25th 2006 9:02AM]

"Users of Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 Update Rollup 2 can be encouraged to download and install Windows Media Player 11 Beta 2"


Uhmm . .excuse me? Encourage users to update from a stable release version to a sketchy beta? Seriously? Well, we know what is more important here. DRM, not stability. Awesome Microsoft. You get a cookie.

[disciple83 @ Sep 25th 2006 9:13AM]

WMP11 beta 2 has been running on my machine since its release, and I have had absolutely no hangups or instability issues. It plays music, video, DVD, and anything else I throw at it, (within its defined playback ability, no quicktime, yet). It has a streamlined interface, easily accessible control, and a considerably smaller memory footprint. The only thing I disagree with is its default choices in icons for associated files, which will change I am sure upon a final release. Grow up son, you can always rollback if you hate it, but chances are you won't...You're just looking to bitch cuz they are pushing a product in the midst of DRM issues. Don't hate.

[bandgeekndb @ Sep 25th 2006 9:22AM]

@fuzz, I completely understand where you're coming from.

@disciple83, It's not the status of the beta that makes the upgrade stupid, it's just the idea that we have to leave a platform that we're comfortable with and works well with our machines and upgrade to a newer version just so that Microsoft, who can't keep their DRM under control, will once again have us under their thumbs.

I'm running Beta 1 of WMP 11 and it's running very solid for me, only a few glitches. I am afraid to upgrade to Beta 2 until I see what this means for users. I use MCE 2005 Rollup 2, so I will upgrade if the situation requires it, but otherwise, I see no point in leaving my sturdy beta for one that might have a conflict with something on my computer.

PS - I have not used FairUse4WM at all, so this is not written from the viewpoint of someone whining that Microsoft is stopping them from using their music properly. While I support that view as well, I am just writing from the idealistic standpoint.

[vince @ Sep 25th 2006 9:40AM]

It's funny that Microsoft sends out patches quickly for DRM-related stuff (DRM-related stuff which no really cares about unless you're the RIAA, etc), but we have to wait at least a month for the Patch Tuesday to fix some critical security updates.

[Intrepid @ Sep 25th 2006 9:41AM]

@ Fuzz

"sketchy beta"... use it. It's far from sketchy. Best beta I have ever seen (stability wise).

[Matt @ Sep 25th 2006 9:46AM]

Microsoft Had Better allow me to backup my licences with WMP 11 before I will install it .

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/player/11/readme.aspx#1608319

Suppose Ill just have to UnDRM them first ;)

[Fuzz @ Sep 25th 2006 10:03AM]

Whether it is stable or not is not realy the issue here . .The issue is that MS is encouraging users to upgrade to beta software. Doesn't that strike anyone as odd?

If it is at a point where it can be released, then release it, then encourage users to upgrade, for whatever stupid DRM issues they want to force on us. But don't try to tell me that I should upgrade to beta software. There is a reason it hasn't been released yet. If not, they should suck it up and tell their "partners" that the iussue will be addressed when WMP 11 is released. Its clear who MS cares more about here, don't be blind fools.

[Jon @ Sep 25th 2006 10:04AM]

I've been using FairUse...simply to listen to my subscription music in my car which doesn't have an aux input to hookup my Music player to. I burn the songs to CD and now I can also listen to in my car. FairUse has made my subscription service much more valuable to me and I have no intentions of cancelling the service. Quite the oposite actually.

[JimK @ Sep 25th 2006 10:34AM]

I predict a FairUse update in 3...2...1...

I'm using it strictly to add WMA tracks that I paid for to my iPod. If Microsoft wants to try to punish me for that, they can eat a bowl of manbits.

[Jeff @ Sep 25th 2006 11:26AM]

I'm running 1.0 with Napster and it still works for me, for some reason.

Maybe Napster didn't get the memo? Or maybe they don't want to lose all those new paying customers they've been getting ever since this tool's release?

(Yes, I'm actually paying the $15 a month now, until this really stops working for good and Napster becomes useless to me again.)

[Nate @ Sep 25th 2006 11:39AM]

Yeah my 1.0 still works fine with Napster too.

I have a feeling that's what it is, I bet this tool is actually helping their business model. People are actually willing to pay for thier service now that it doesnt suck.

[endeffects @ Sep 25th 2006 3:25PM]

hallo,

could someone please please send me the
version 1.0 of the fairuse4wm.exe.

regards

[Matt @ Sep 25th 2006 11:41AM]

It would be up to your service provider to apply the update and I'm sure that technology companies are less willing to apply a update that may "lock" out some of thier new subscribers .

Technology companies only see Microsofts DRM as a means to an ends and none of them are very pleased about the lack of Plays For Sure support in the Microsoft Zune .Most tech companines would prefer not to be tied one DRM system at all or do away with DRM all together like Yahoo.

It is the content companies that are really screaming to Microsoft about patching FairUse4WM

[resource @ Sep 25th 2006 12:17PM]

Did the RIAA even tell MS to do this?
I think they willingly did this on their own.
Which is a bit sad.

[T.H. @ Sep 25th 2006 12:53PM]

While I have to say it's bad for MS to tell users to update to a beta version of their software, I do have to say that it is not MS's fault there is DRM there. Blame the RIAA and MPAA.

There's probably some sort of clause in the contract that stipulates Apple, MS, etc. must release an update to the DRM scheme if there is a breach in some sort of timely manner. Which might be why MS is telling you to update to beta software.

[Eric @ Sep 25th 2006 12:53PM]

Best Beta! Ha, Google Search, Maps, ... are/were better Betas.

[Matt @ Sep 25th 2006 1:14PM]

Microsoft isn't telling people to upgrade to a beta product, they're telling others to tell people to upgrade. How do you get these emails anyway, aren't they supposed to be "CONFIDENTIAL"? ;)

[Dave Johnson @ Sep 25th 2006 1:54PM]

I have napster and wmp 11 broke my licensing. I had to uninstall it (per tech support) and go through re-doing a series of MS fixes. The support was great ... too bad MS is encouraging people to use an player version NOT supported by nor recommended by one of it's "partners."

[Tereasa @ Sep 25th 2006 11:43PM]

I'm with Dave up top... I was on the phone with Napter Customer Support for an hour getting my Napster to work again after Microsoft's last 'patch' of the issue. First thing CS asked - "What version of WMP you running" um... 11 beta 2 ... "Oh - we have to get that off completely - right away!"

You know that's a bad sign when the first step to fixing your music service is to un-install and roll-back WMP.

[Spartacus @ Sep 28th 2006 7:16PM]

Resource,

No I imagine the RIAA did not tell Microsoft to do it.

It's sad to see that microsoft cares more about their CUSTOMERS than the end user, but hardly suprising. Plays for sure is a product they sell for (insert large sum of money here) to businesses, and it has exactly one function. If that one function no longer works, and you were a customer paying them what I can only imagine is a pretty penny more than a new retail copy of XP wouldn't you expect a fix pretty quickly?

In the end this is just exactly what the expectation is in the corporate world. And of course my expectation of the GNU world is another version of fairuse will follow shortly. Welcome engadget readers to the battle that's as old as computer software... how is it any of you are suprised by any of this anymore??