The Cult of the Dead Cow and Back Orifice

Jul 24, 2024

Lecture Notes: The Cult of the Dead Cow and Back Orifice

Introduction

  • Interactive engagement: "When I say dead, you say cow!"
  • Description of event: Evening full of energy, humor, and the significance of the Cult of the Dead Cow (CDC) and its impact on hacking and cybersecurity.

Historical Context

  1. Timeframe: 1999

    • Key developments in personal computing.
    • Dominance of Windows 95/98 operating systems.
    • Vulnerability of systems with the rise of malware.

  2. Damaging Malware: Back Orifice

    • Originally marketed as a remote administration tool.
    • Exposed vulnerabilities in Windows operating systems.
    • Users could lose control of their PCs without being aware.

  3. Intent of Developers

    • Aim was to highlight critical security flaws to Microsoft, not to harm users.

The Cult of the Dead Cow

  • Origins: Founded by Kevin Wheeler over 30 years ago.
  • Initial Nature: A mix of humor and rebellion against societal norms.
  • Communication Platforms: Early BBS (Bulletin Board Systems) as community hubs for sharing ideas and resources.

Membership and Early Activities

  • Membership: By invitation, focusing on utopian ideals and non-conformity.
  • Cultural Practices: Known for their humor, unique grammar, and anti-establishment ideologies.

Relationship with Other Hacker Groups

  • Mid-90s merger with The Loft, enhancing their capabilities.
  • The Loft known for vulnerability research and knowledge sharing.

Introduction of Back Orifice

  1. Development Timeline

    • Josh Buchbinder developed Back Orifice after recognizing vulnerabilities in Windows.
    • Concerns over legal implications and user protections.

  2. Technical Aspects of Back Orifice

    • Users could install via executable files sent via email.
    • Enabled remote access, file manipulation, and system control without detection.
    • Spread through poor digital hygiene among users.

  3. Impact on Microsoft

    • Microsoft’s delayed acknowledgment of vulnerabilities.
    • Resulted in public relations challenges leading to changes in Windows architecture.

DEF CON 99 Presentation

  • Purpose: To showcase the capabilities of Back Orifice to a live audience.
  • Kevin Wheeler (Grandmaster Rat) as the charismatic presenter energizing attendees.
  • Presentation of Back Orifice features and its open-source nature.

Evolution of Hacker Culture Post BO Release

  1. Changing Landscape

    • Increased popularity of hacking among mainstream users.
    • Emergence of commercial antivirus solutions and security companies.

  2. Continued Advocacy

    • CDC's transition into a recognizable entity advocating for security awareness.
    • Development of ethical guidelines for hackers (Hacker's Code).

  3. Long-term Consequences

    • Rise of hacking incidents and advanced security programs post-Back Orifice.
    • End of innocence in early internet culture; shift towards professionalization of cybersecurity.

Recent Implications and Further Developments

  • CDC's legacy continues with products like Scatterchat and Valid.
  • Notable careers arising from CDC, such as Peter Mudge Zatko working with Twitter and government security.

Conclusion

  • Cultural significance of the Cult of the Dead Cow in influencing digital security and hacker ethics.
  • The evolution of hacking from rebellion to professionalization reflects broader societal shifts regarding technology and security.