The supposed source code for Windows XP has been leaked on the internet and can be a major security problem.
According to the reports from Gizmodo and Bleepingcomputer, one of the most infamous forums on the internet, 4chan, has been used to distribute a copy of the source code of several Microsoft operating systems, the most important of which is Windows XP, as it is still present on millions of computers around the world.
“Sooooo Windows XP source code leaked,” the person posted on 4Chan. Next to it is a screenshot showing the source code in front of the iconic Windows XP background image, writes Gizmodo. Another Redditor helpfully has uploaded the code as a torrent, assisting in its spread.
It is difficult to say whether the Windows XP source code leaked by the hacker is really authentic or not. Gizmodo refers to the researcher Ronin Dey, who commented on the code after a first viewing: “Looks pretty real.”
In addition to Windows XP, the archives contain Windows Server 2003, Windows 2000, Windows NT 3.5 and 4, Windows Embedded 7 and CE, Windows CE 3 to 5, MS-DOS 3.30, and 6.0. According to Bleepingcomputer, the leaked archive also contains a collection of bizarre conspiracy videos about Bill Gates.
What about existing Windows XP users?
By knowing the source code of Windows XP, it is possible not only to analyze how it works but also to find possible problems and bugs. This is something that the online community is already doing. Also, these leaked source codes are probably Microsoft never wanted to make public, including a list of bugs known to the company that was never fixed.
The problem is that Windows XP is no longer supported by Microsoft, and therefore they wouldn’t be release updates to fix these problems. Users who still have Windows XP, therefore, are left to their own devices.
The person behind the leaks claims that the Windows XP source code has been circulating in hacking circles for years, but has not yet been published. It took two months to compile the source code for the various Windows versions. This comprises a total of around 43 GB.
