Adobe Software Bug Lets Users Download Amazon Movies for Free

According to foreign media reports, a security vulnerability was recently discovered in a software by Adobe Systems used for distributing movies and video clips on the internet. Due to this vulnerability, users can download and copy video streams from Amazon.com for free.

The software does not encrypt online content but only provides some instructions to the video player, such as start and stop playback. However, to improve download speed, Adobe has abandoned the strict security protection function between the distribution software and the player.

"This is a fundamental design flaw of Adobe, and the intention behind this design seems a bit foolish," said security expert and Chief Security Technology Officer of BT Group Bruce Schneier.

It is reported that Adobe's Flash video player with this defect is almost present in every computer connected to the internet worldwide.

During the era when Napster was popular, online video content piracy was rampant, which once troubled the healthy development of the music industry and also led to a sharp reduction in revenue for retailers, movie studios, and TV broadcasters.

A spokesperson for Amazon stated that Amazon's video-on-demand service offers about 40,000 movies and TV episodes, with no possibility of unauthorized streaming using stream media software. However, after testing, at least one playback software can achieve free playback of Amazon's programs — Replay Media Catcher from Applian Technologies. This software can easily obtain free video content from Amazon or other websites using Adobe's encryption technology.

[Source: eNet Silicon Valley Dynamics]