1070°

5-year-old Ocean Beach boy exposes Microsoft Xbox vulnerability

A five-year-old boy who worked out a security vulnerability on Microsoft's Xbox Live service has been officially thanked by the company.

joeyisback3682d ago Show
windblowsagain3682d ago

Wow that's a very basic error.

But it's not a backdoor.

A backdoor is something put in by programmers, so they can access security that's been added on later.

That's more like a complete screwup.

ASTS_19923682d ago ShowReplies(2)
Ratty3682d ago

Exactly. The kid's pretty good too. I guess his young age enables him to think outside the box but he does seem to be a natural when it comes to security... according to his father at least.

frostypants3682d ago

My guess is he did it by accident...but it's still very impressive that he realized what he had done and kept doing it whenever he wanted to play those games. Too bad the poor kid got caught...the recognition comes with the fact that he can't pull this stunt anymore...LOL. Hopefully dad gives him some gaming time as a reward.

Ritsujun3681d ago

Don't give up, MS!!!!!!!!!

3-4-53682d ago

Crazed-^ that made me laugh harder than it should lol

Sheikh Yerbouti3681d ago

"M-M-Morpheus..." Thinking of Keanu's lines in Matrix tickles my inner giggle.

fr0sty3682d ago

Brief off topic rant: Alright N4G, the ads with sound that play automatically, and re-enable their sound as soon as the next ad rolls... That's some bullshit right there. This isn't examiner. If you have to blast loud commercials through my speakers every time I come here, I may have to stop coming here.

On topic: Microsoft... security... are any of us surprised a 5 year old cracked it?

air13682d ago

Umm... surprised? A little.. now if it was sony then it would have been no surprise at all.

LexHazard793682d ago

Yes, I am surprised! You act as if it gets hacked all the time or something!

fr0sty3682d ago

You guys act like Microsoft has a long history of secure operating systems that don't require constant patching to fix massive security vulnerabilities...

ITPython3682d ago (Edited 3682d ago )

@fr0sty - Wow, people still deal with ads on the net? Firefox + ABP with EasyList filters + NoScript = ad free internet.

Heck, even with ABP disabled I still see no ads on N4G thanks to NoScript.

You need to get with the times man, and I sure HOPE you still aren't using IE, lol.

OT: Pretty cool this kid figured this out, although I am surprised he gave up his secret! When I figured stuff like this out as a kid I kept it to myself so I could enjoy it!

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 3682d ago
ITPython3682d ago

This is an interesting security flaw, I wonder if all it takes to get into somebody's account now is to know their email address used for that account, then use the same process this kid did.

Would be funny if this guys account gets 'hacked' since it clearly shows his accounts email address in the pictures, lol.

Back-to-Back3682d ago

Gotta love the terrible programmers at Microsoft. They offered me a job last summer and lucky for me I was able to turn it down because I got a better offer from another famous company.

Eddie201013682d ago

Microsoft often say after all we are a software company at the end of every sentence has made a boo boo in there software that was meant to keep someone from accessing an account, it was broken by a five year old child, very simply I might add.

The little boy is cute and very smart, but should this be taken as a ahh moment.

mrmarx3681d ago

gov spying you want links?

+ Show (5) more repliesLast reply 3681d ago
barb_wire3682d ago

Nice they gave him some games and 1yr Live.. but considering the size of a security hole he exposed.. they were a little cheap.

vallencer3682d ago

They didn't have to give him anything. That's what's wrong with people now a days. You'll get rewarded for doing something or finding something that isn't supposed to be there but the rewards aren't enough. Everyone always wants more.

adorie3682d ago

He didn't have to tell them a damned thing either.

It goes both ways,and before you try to play the "some one else would have came along" card, they didn't.

frostypants3682d ago (Edited 3682d ago )

Some people would have been tempted to leak this tidbit on a hacker forum and watch the chaos unfold. A reward is justified. That said, I think what they got is fair...though a small "scholarship" for the kid's future education would have been a nice touch.

nix3682d ago

it's like a kid returning your wallet which you lost because the wallet had your address in it. you gift him something (as a token of appreciation) because he valued the content in your wallet.

the kid could have just taken the money off the wallet and bought something for himself. why should he be bothered about your papers/money/id cards in your wallet?

you can evaluate the situation and have an option of saying just "thanks" or give him something.

Retroman3682d ago (Edited 3682d ago )

50.00 and year subscription not bad for child curiosity.

but cracking security for cell phone by holding "Home" is special at age of 1

Sheikh Yerbouti3681d ago (Edited 3681d ago )

The pride he gave his father is priceless though...and I'm sure his father had something to do with MS being informed and the story getting out, good way to get his security company's name out too.

Me? I just wouldn't let the lil' prick play my XBox anymore and be done with.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 3681d ago
ZombieDust3682d ago (Edited 3682d ago )

Didnt have to give him a damn thing... And assuming the 4 games he got were full price games, he got $350 in gifts, that's pretty generous.

Cathyvon3682d ago

Exactly! It actually was a little more than that but you are right!

ZombieDust3682d ago

Lol self entitled children are quick to hit that dislike button... I only say this because I am truely curious as to why you disagree and how you became a self entitled brat...

OhMyGandhi3682d ago

Hell, I figured Microsoft would throw in a five dollar coupon to Subway, not 350 dollar prize...

raWfodog3682d ago ShowReplies(3)
grailly3682d ago

The security hole isn't that big...It's just logging into a local account, basically logging into the account of someone in your family.

It could be a problem in case of stolen or sold xboxs I guess...

Belasco3682d ago

And what would you suggest he receive? A scholarship? A million dollars? A new car?

DFogz3682d ago

A small scholarship fund would have been nice.

A lot better than giving a 5-year old a bunch of games when his dad was trying to get him to stop playing them in the first place.

Sheikh Yerbouti3681d ago

I think four games and free XBL for a year is plenty for a five year old. Plus it is a good start for he resume...

March 2014 - April 2004 Independent security consultant for Microsoft's XBox Live.

Aug 2014 - June 2015 Kindergarten.

aragon3682d ago

i agree he shoula got a console and accessories and a year of live and xbox music

maddskull3682d ago

It's xbox live support so I think that it is a miracle they gave him something

air13682d ago

They gave him $300 in games and live and through in another 50. How much more they should have given the 5 yr old?

TheSaint3681d ago

'cheap' and 'MS' are synonymous.

+ Show (8) more repliesLast reply 3681d ago
ShowGun9013682d ago Show
MASTER_RAIDEN3682d ago

this is why i choose to pay for xbox liv----

dammit.

Show all comments (89)
300°

Microsoft Survey Asks About Handheld

A new survey from Microsoft has further hinted at the possibility of an Xbox handheld being in development.

Read Full Story >>
twistedvoxel.com
EasilyTheBest3d ago

This is definitely happening, I just hope they have 2 versions one with a much bigger screen.

GamerRN3d ago

I'll be happy with this, and a PC console hybrid that rivals anything we have power wise

Number1TailzFan2d ago

The problem with bigger devices is playing them on your side in bed, Vita and before that was fine. Since the Switch you gotta have a gooseneck holder & controllers detached so you can lie down holding them, or your arm will quickly get tired.

1Victor2d ago

@thesofware: “A much bigger screen than what?”
A gaming laptop 🤷🏿🤣

Kosic2d ago

Than the screen originally planned...duh... :D

darthv722d ago

it kinda already did... https://www.xbox.com/en-US/...

They are just gauging interest in one of their own.

crazyCoconuts2d ago

A Xbox version of Logitech G-Cloud?
I mean, why bother? Not like the G cloud is flying off shelves and what would Xbox add to make it better?
They're surely not going to create bespoke architecture here and there are already a few Windows handhelds out there. I have little confidence in their ability to put together an attractive UI in the way Steam did. So I doubt anything will come from this.

KicksnSnares3d ago

Day One buy for me if they'll make a dedicated handheld device.

darthv723d ago

i have that logitech g-cloud. Its a sweet little piece of kit. I like that it can also install games from the play store unlike the other android based handheld.

mudakoshaka3d ago

It sure is! Don't understand why you get the down-votes. Whoever does not like the G Cloud must have been dropped down a well, head first, when they were of a younger age.

PassNextquestion3d ago

I wonder if Microsoft will perform better in Japan if they do actually make a handheld since everyone says handheld and mobile are king over there.

TiredGamer3d ago

This looks like the future of the game industry... all three platforms with a handheld option.

I wonder if the Playstation Portal is a technology test-bed/prototype for a future Playstation handheld?

rlow12d ago (Edited 2d ago )

It’s a possibility but I can’t help but think would that be the best way to go about it? Though it would give you data on how much it is used and game type. It’s still not a true portable device and so people approach it differently. I think that data on phones, tablets, and of course the competition would give a better indication.

But I really think if Sony is considering a new PSP that could play ps5 games, now would be the time to dive in. Honestly, if they do this, it would be huge.

Traecy2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

Doubt if Sony PS wants to support a new handheld with first party games. Something they lacked with the Vita. What they should do is have a handheld that is like the PS Portal which can play all games but play those games on the go as well as at home. Something like that is a better investment.

TiredGamer2d ago

Agreed that you will probably never see a separate line of games specifically for the handheld (a la PSP or PSVita). The modern economics and expectations of game development make that cost prohibitive. What makes more sense is if the full-fat game on PS5 or PS6 has a special "handheld" profile that is automatically optimized for the lower spec handheld. There would be some significant compromises compared to the bigger console variant, but it would be the same game overall and would only require a single purchase.... somewhat what the Switch does with a lower resolution when playing handheld versus docked.

Show all comments (51)
310°

Xbox Games Showcase Followed by [REDACTED] Direct Airs June 9

- Xbox Wire - Mark your calendars! The Xbox Games Showcase followed by [REDACTED] Direct airs June 9. More info inside.

Read Full Story >>
news.xbox.com
bionicstar3d ago

Will they show Fable 4, Stalker 2, GoW 6 & Perfect Dark?

PhillyDonJawn3d ago

Crossing fingers for Fable and perfect dark. And State of Decay 3

RaidenBlack3d ago (Edited 3d ago )

And maybe Clockwork Revolution, South of Midnight, Contraband, Project 007 & OD? lol
and whatever happened to Everwild ?
+ that rumored Wu Tang RPG

Sonic18813d ago (Edited 3d ago )

Will they have official release dates and gameplay?

anast3d ago

Another game pass event with their plans to go all streaming.

3d ago
Lightning773d ago

It's an Xbox showcase that they have every year.

Make smarter comments for once.

anast3d ago (Edited 3d ago )

Tell me what a smarter comment is.

If they don't sell game pass the entire time, then I will be wrong. All of this can be proven once the show gets underway. Let's wait and see.

InUrFoxHole2d ago

@Anast
Anything you didn't type. Good day sir!

3d ago
3d ago
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3d ago Replies(1)
Lightning773d ago (Edited 3d ago )

Wow too easy.

You went from MS going all streaming to selling gamepass content in which we all know they are.

Which one is it?

Pretty clear you don't know what a smart comment is at least you admit you don't know.

3d ago
anast2d ago (Edited 2d ago )

"Another game pass event with their plans to go all streaming."

It's both. I would worry about your own intelligence at this point. It seems that there is not enough to go around for you to worry about how smart other people are.

Lightning772d ago

It's just a regular event announcing games. Nice one captain obvious they're gonna mention gp stuff like they do every year what else is new.

The all streaming part is just you, being you I guess. They have streaming options but going all streaming again is just you pulling stuff outta thin air.

anast2d ago

You don't know what a smart comment is or isn't. You're welcome for the help.

Lightning772d ago

No you said something dumb then you tried to back track and mention GP.

Again make smart comments for once.

anast2d ago

And we have broken record syndrome.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 2d ago
darthv723d ago

Wonder if they will address the handheld rumors....?

jimb0j0nes3d ago

For a brief moment I thought we might get a whole Direct for Gears 6 - seems like it's COD though!

Show all comments (44)
290°

Microsoft’s Surface and Xbox hardware revenues take a big hit in Q3

Microsoft just posted the third quarter of its 2024 fiscal financial results. The software maker made $61.9 billion in revenue and a net income of $21.9 billion during Q3. Revenue is up 17 percent, and net income has increased by 20 percent.

Read Full Story >>
theverge.com
darthv728d ago

Xbox content + services up 62% while hardware down 31%... seems about right with the way they tout you don't need the hardware to play. People can play on their phones or smart tv or other means. I don't hardly play on my consoles directly since getting devices like the logitech g-cloud and ps portal. Which is to also say I have been playing more digital than physical because of these devices.

solideagle7d ago

you should apply in MS PR team buddy, I think you will do a great job in my humble opinion :)

Sonic18817d ago

I thought darthv72 and Obscure_Observer already work for Microsoft 🤔

dveio7d ago

MS: "Xbox services and content without AB up 1%, with AB up 62%. Hardware down 31%. In total a loss of 350 mill."

darthv72: "Seems about right."

MS: "Excuse m ..."

darthv72: "I don't hardly play on my consoles directly."

MS:

Lightning777d ago

What he said was facts. How he plays games is no concern of you. Don't get too mad about it.

Cacabunga7d ago

I can tell people like you are an absolute minority..

If service is up means their fans and fanboys accepted this model and subscribed to it. The near future you will see a big decline because the service is saturated.

darthv726d ago

to you it may seem like the minority... but your bubble is shrinking because more and more are following suit. convenience is a hell of a drug and its also why physical sales only amount to 30% of overall game sales. times are changing, you either get with them or you get left behind.

neutralgamer19926d ago

Darth

30% physical sales: yet Phil and xbox division are in a rush go give up on that 30%. they don't have any right to give up any piece of the pie since the control such a little of the pie to begin with

also, the market is clearly speaking that the model Xbox is pushing isn't working right now the keyword being right now. you are right about freedom to play anywhere so i hope they put their games on steam

shinoff21837d ago

But that's been ms for years. When things aren't going their way they try to change the way things are said. For instance console sales are down, they stop telling how many sold instead telling us how many hours spent in halo or headshots. So it makes sense console sales down just say people are playing on more devices then previous. What they won't say is how many xbox players jumped ship to ps5.

Cacabunga7d ago

Hardware sales are so bad that Sony and Nintendo are blowing the sales off the water with their hardware.

If Xbox are losers, others aren’t..
Xbox already tried everything with Xbox live then subscriptions went down so much that they had to find something else. Their fans subscribed then reached saturation rather quickly.

Hardware and exclusive games is where it’s at! Keep gamers excited, announce decent software and people will support you

itsmebryan7d ago

@shin
Well keep it simple Sony 's operating income is down 26% and Microsoft's is up 32%. No MS spin there, just facts. 😉
Cheers

S2Killinit7d ago

MS is after diminishing consoles as a medium. They want to destroy this market because they couldnt win. MS’s vision is to dissolve console gaming.

romulus237d ago

Odd that a company that touts you dont need the hardware to play is already touting another console in the works.

darthv727d ago

They are not reliant on the HW but still want to maintain a presence (no matter how small) is a good thing. It shows commitment to the craft. It reminds me of SNK and how they made games for their own hardware (Neo Geo) while also making them for others because they knew there was a market to do so. They knew they would sell more to others but also sell to their own niche fan base.

TheEroica6d ago (Edited 6d ago )

Perfectly reasonable post down voted by insecure corporation friendly folk.... But not gamers. Real gamer want accessibility and ease of acquisition for all.... Company shills are the only ones still telling us that hardware locking people from games is good for us.

Chevalier6d ago

@Darth

You should stop parroting metrics like an idiot without context.

"Xbox content and services revenue grew 62% in Q3 from a year earlier, “driven by 61 points of net impact” from the purchase of the third-party video game giant, Microsoft said."

61 of the 62% was from their merger so net increase is ONLY 1%

https://www.mesaonline.org/...

itsmebryan6d ago

@chevalier

It looks like made a great purchase. Much better then Sony buying Bungie. 😉
Cheers

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 6d ago
purple1017d ago

Xbox hardware revenue tanks to lowest point of Xbox Series generation

Profchaos7d ago

I'm not surprised surface is struggling they aren't relevant anymore

DOMination-7d ago

In the last two years they've started exiting the consumer market altogether. All of the newest Surface products are business models only. They can't seem to work out what they want to do with it.

XBManiac7d ago

Too expensive hardware when others offer the same or more for less? Good work, Green Team.

SimpleDad7d ago (Edited 7d ago )

"Despite some early successes for Xbox games on rival platforms, Xbox hardware is down by a massive 31 percent this quarter."
"Without Activision Blizzard, Microsoft’s overall gaming revenue would have actually declined this quarter."
"Xbox content and services would have only been up a single percent without Activision Blizzard..."
"It looks like next quarter is going to be a similar story for gaming at Microsoft, too."

That is crazy... so A/B/K is carrying the whole Xbox gaming.
Oh and Microsoft will be fine. Windows, Office and Cloud are growing with each pc purchase.

purple1017d ago

Activision: "we gonna need a bigger rucksack/backpack please"

Microsoft: "why's that"

Activision: "to carry yo' weak ass'

Profchaos7d ago (Edited 7d ago )

Top brass have also wanted to start seeing returns on the 100 billion they have put into various Xbox related moves so seeing more multiplatform games is highly likely especially from abk

It's basically saying that PlayStation is the reason Xbox is afloat right now thinks to Ps5 versions of COD

Kornholic7d ago

So basically PS and PC gamers' money is keeping Xbox on life support.

MrDead7d ago

The only growth MS will get out of the console industry is if it supports it's rivals platforms. Xbox is a pointless machine now. I can see them on a big push for live next, and they won't give up on trying to buy Steam.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 7d ago
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