Source Code Leak Raises Issues

A portion of Windows source code posted on the Internet in Feb. 2004 might expose new security vulnerabilities that customers will have to address and might cause developers to consider whether to yield to the temptation to look at the source code. However, the longer-term impact will likely be on Microsoft and its partners as Microsoft takes action to protect its trade secrets and intellectual property.

Illegally Posted Windows

The illegally posted source code appears to be for components of Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 2000, such as Internet Explorer 5.0, and represents a small portion of the complete source code for Windows. Microsoft says that the leaked source code is insufficient to build a running version of Windows.

Microsoft was quick to state that the source code was not posted on the Internet as the result of any breach of its network or security, and it is working with the FBI to determine who was responsible. Some details in the leaked code point to long-time partner Mainsoft, which has been a licensee for the source code since 1994.