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iTunes' locked music unlocked

22 November 2003 14:44 by Jari Ketola | 13 comments

Jon Lech Johansen has released an open source software for saving DRM locked iTunes files to decrypted format. The software does not decrypt the DRM itself, but rather dumps the decrypted stream from memory while it's being played in iTunes. The program is called QuickTime for Windows AAC memory dumper.

This "security hole" is well known and can be used to bypass any type of protection, since data has to be in fully decrypted form before it is passed on to the sound output. These types of holes are known as the analog hole -- no matter what you do, it's always there. If everything else fails, you can always record the analog output signal from the computer.

It remains to be seen whether or not Apple will start releasing new versions of iTunes that requires for the memory dumper to be updated each time.

Jon Lech Johansen, aka DVD Jon is best known for his work with DeCSS, which allowed Linux users to view CSS protected DVDs.

Source:
The Register

Permalink to this article

New software records unprotected music files from restricted files (8 September 2004)

New iTunes' authentication cracked (29 April 2004)

Real launches RealPlayer 10 with AAC support and music store (7 January 2004)

DVD-Jon not guilty -- yet again (22 December 2003)

DeCSS trial ends in Norway (11 December 2003)

MyTunes allows iTunes to download MP3s from other users (13 November 2003)

Johansen vs Norway/MPAA round 2 in December (1 April 2003)

Norwegian court: Johansen not quilty (7 January 2003)

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Discuss this article!
alxdotnet (Inactive) 22 November 2003 16:48
Unless of course the DRM is implemented right in the sound card...but the "analog hole" still applies...until we have smart wires...ok im rambling. Comp 1: Dell Inspiron P4 2.4Ghz / 512 MB RAM with 24x CD-RW and Firewire In, SVideo Out running XP Pro Comp 2: Dell Dimension P3 550Mhz / 384MB RAM with old 2x CD-RW running XP Home. [ + quote]
Dela (Staff Member) 23 November 2003 4:47
Johansen rules man :-) http://www.BillLonero.com - Check out a true artists music! aD channel on IRC: rod.liquidirc.com #ad_buddies Newbie IRC Guide- http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/47221 [ + quote]
zelphi (Newbie) 23 November 2003 16:59
alxdotnet: This is not exploiting the anolog loophole, which will be available for as long as music is able to be heard. This program gives you the exact same aac data, bit for bit. It's loseless. It's exactly the same. And it's pretty damn cool. [ + quote]
GrayArea (Member) 24 November 2003 6:36
Quote> "Unless of course the DRM is implemented right in the sound card..." This is EXACTLY what the "trusted computer" initiative is aiming to do. I bet they are trying to come up with water marking that "trusted" soundcards would recognize at the audio input to plug that analog "hole" as well. We mustn't lower ourselves to the level of those we loathe, lest we become loathsome ourselves. [ + quote]
alxdotnet (Inactive) 24 November 2003 11:38
Worst Case Scenario: we all end up recording on our old P4 3.2Ghz machines. Sounds good to me! Comp 1: Dell Inspiron P4 2.4Ghz / 512 MB RAM with 24x CD-RW and Firewire In, SVideo Out running XP Pro Comp 2: Dell Dimension P3 550Mhz / 384MB RAM with old 2x CD-RW running XP Home. [ + quote]
pcshateme (Inactive) 24 November 2003 13:57
its always going to be there, before i got a cd burner (a long long time ago) i would hook my cassette recorder to the audio out on my computer using a double male head phone cable, the same can be done with coping cds- if they can ever "burn proof" audio cds, I'll just play the files into the pc through my line in, save as .wav and burn! check out my site "www.backupguides.vze.com" for free software and illustrated guides on copying DVDs to DVD, to CD, and other copying stuff. [ + quote]
strcruzer (Junior Member) 25 November 2003 7:31
They (the RIAA) are not going to stop the consumer from doing what they want with the music they listen to. Piracy is just a smoke screen as far as I'm concerned. I will not buy copy protected audio CD's, I will not purchase CD's from RIAA members...period. I support Indie artists. Just think what will happen if the RIAA members get their way and outlaw ADC/DAC devices, or tax them, they will then squash (at least try to) the independant music Artists/makers/studios out there. If you want to record and sell music then you need to use a large music company to do it, at least that is what they want. Smells like control issues to me! Starcruiser Intel 440BX MB, Dual Intel 1.2Ghz P3's, 2GB RAM TDK 440N, 390GB ATI AIW 8500DV Win2k Srvr [ + quote]
GrayArea (Member) 25 November 2003 8:28
Anybody know where to get the source for the app mentioned in the story? We mustn't lower ourselves to the level of those we loathe, lest we become loathsome ourselves. [ + quote]
GrayArea (Member) 25 November 2003 8:36
strcruzer> CNET is smashing one of the biggest librarys of indy music in the world as we speak. They bought mp3.com and are going to DELETE over a million song files that have been free legal downloads without any DRM. BTW, CNET is going into the pay download music biz... Go figure. We mustn't lower ourselves to the level of those we loathe, lest we become loathsome ourselves. [ + quote]
pcshateme (Inactive) 25 November 2003 12:06
there is NO way to EVER stop digital video or audio copying EVER. there will always be people like me to crack encryption. Why should we be forced to pay obscene amounts for cds, that we wont know we like until we buy them at $15 each (and you cant return cds so if it sux your screwed) also, the artists we listen to see bareley any of the money from cds, so its not us ripping them off its the RIAA and there labels! check out my site "www.backupguides.vze.com" for free software and illustrated guides on copying DVDs to DVD, to CD, and other copying stuff. [ + quote]
alxdotnet (Inactive) 25 November 2003 12:51
if you can play it, you can copy it. it's that simple. Comp 1: Dell Inspiron P4 2.4Ghz / 512 MB RAM with 24x CD-RW and Firewire In, SVideo Out running XP Pro Comp 2: Dell Dimension P3 550Mhz / 384MB RAM with old 2x CD-RW running XP Home. [ + quote]
suep6 (Newbie) 25 November 2003 21:25
I'm not sure about this line of info but I'd like to say that I have been copying music from LP's; then from 8 tracks [oh yeah] and then from cassettes. Making my own "favorites" collections since the early 70's. The RIAA will try, but they can't stop it totally. Just a shame little people get hurt in the process. Thanks for listening, suep6 ...knowing just enough to be dangerous... [ + quote]
dma52691 (Newbie) 7 June 2007 19:52
google "jhymn" for itunes v4.6 if you want to dump the protection file in your itunes music (M4A) (you have to have the itunes library file(ITL) that has the protected m4a file authorized) [ + quote]