Netflix DRM Cracked with FairUse4WM
FairUse4WM, a program that strips the copyright protection from Windows Media audio and video files, continues to be a thorn in Microsoft's side. An individual has now posted detailed instructions on how to bypass the DRM in Netflix's movie streams, making it so customers can download and share the films.
With the latest update to FairUse4WM, which came in mid-July, it was only a matter of time before new targets were discovered. Last month, users of the application confirmed that it was possible to remove the latest copy protection from songs available on MTV's URGE and Yahoo! Music Unlimited.
The affect on Netflix is perhaps more damaging, however, because the company makes available full-length streaming movies at no cost to paying subscribers. With Microsoft's Windows Media DRM, Netflix is able to prevent customers from saving the movies to their computers, or sharing them with others. Movie downloads from Zongo are also reportedly open to the crack.
According to a post on the Rota forums by a user named "DIzzIE," the process to remove that DRM is not complicated, but requires a number of steps. Even if the method appeals only to experienced computer users, it only takes one to upload the movie to the Internet via BitTorrent or another file sharing mechanism.
Not long after the instructions were posted publicly, Netflix updated its DRM to the latest Windows Media Individualized Blackbox components. But as noted in mid-July, those IBX components were already cracked with an update to FairUse4WM.
Still, "DIzzIE" warns those who may be considering doing more than keeping the DRM-free Netflix movies for their own use. "And lest you’re all too ready to start making torrents of the flicks, keep in mind that there have been some rumours about Netflix putting in uniquely identifying watermarks into the video files," he writes.
It's not yet clear how Microsoft will respond to this latest news. Updating its DRM, while possible, is a complex process that requires coordination with all companies using Windows Media - and only furthers the cat-and-mouse game with crackers. In addition, customers must upgrade their playback software as well.
The Redmond company previously filed suit against 10 "John Does" related to FairUse4WM, but dropped the case when it could not identify any actual individuals. Microsoft claims that stolen source code was used to make corrections to FairUse4WM, a charge that creator "viodentia" disputed in public statements.