I'm writing a paper for Network Security about Always-On DRM and was wondering if there were any sources that explain how it actually works on a technical level and how it might detect things such as fake servers. I understand a lot of this isn't published for security reasons and pirates but was wondering if there was a good source out there that might break it down.
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Are there any detailed technical sources that explain how certain types of DRM work?
- Thread starter Jarmel
- Start date
Phawx
Member
Some examples that you can research that might be worthwhile:
Simcity DRM workaround through proxy: http://patheticreviews.com/2013/06/12/how-to-install-simcity-2013-bypass-drmplay-offline/
Also something worth pointing out is Proxy PSN to download P.T.: http://wololo.net/2016/04/10/how-to-redownload-p-t-silent-hills/
Generally speaking if it's just a simple check, it's very easy to crack always-online DRM.
I suppose that there could be a RNG based check to make it a bit more difficult but it seems like a small speed bump.
I haven't looked into it, but I would imagine looking into pirating Super Mario Run would be revealing for how Nintendo does always-online DRM.
Then the biggest form of always online DRM is, games as a service. Where games have to connect to a database to retrieve proper data. These require reverse-engineering for the most part and are sometimes referred to as private servers or emulated servers.
Simcity DRM workaround through proxy: http://patheticreviews.com/2013/06/12/how-to-install-simcity-2013-bypass-drmplay-offline/
Also something worth pointing out is Proxy PSN to download P.T.: http://wololo.net/2016/04/10/how-to-redownload-p-t-silent-hills/
Generally speaking if it's just a simple check, it's very easy to crack always-online DRM.
I suppose that there could be a RNG based check to make it a bit more difficult but it seems like a small speed bump.
I haven't looked into it, but I would imagine looking into pirating Super Mario Run would be revealing for how Nintendo does always-online DRM.
Then the biggest form of always online DRM is, games as a service. Where games have to connect to a database to retrieve proper data. These require reverse-engineering for the most part and are sometimes referred to as private servers or emulated servers.