The Windows XP source code has been allegedly leaked via 4Chan. The posters shared download links of the Windows XP source code. It is to be noted that Windows XP has reached the end of life in 2014. The hierarchy shows the main title as “Microsoft leaked source code archive_2020-09-24”.
We could see several sub-folders such as Xbox, windows_research_kernel, script, pdf, misc among others. If the news revolving around the leaks is true, then it could pose a serious threat to the systems still loaded with Windows XP. The PCs working with Windows XP will be vulnerable to new attacks.
The Windows XP SP1 source code leak looks pretty legit
Thanks to @RoninDey for confirming https://t.co/A2Ap1fKX5x
— Greg Linares (@Laughing_Mantis) September 24, 2020
The thread on the anonymous forum 4chan provides archives of the Windows XP source code alongside the source code for other Microsoft products. The forum archive also includes the source code for Windows NT 3.5 including the original Xbox source code. Microsoft is not yet responded to the surprise leak of Windows XP source code.
Microsoft ended support for Windows XP in 2014 including the rollout of security updates. According to estimates Windows XP is currently running in 1.26 percent of PCs, which is a slim number considering the fact that the majority of users have already migrated to Windows 10.
Even though the Windows XP source code has been leaked, the Redmond-based software giant usually shares the source code with University researchers and Government organizations. Hence, the current Windows XP source code leak is not a big deal. However, there are concerns among the tech community regarding the safety and security of the Windows source codes.
