Protected by drm what. What is "DRM License Reset" in Android

Senior Technology Writer

Someone sent you a e-mail DRM file and you don't know how to open it? Maybe you've found a DRM file on your computer and are wondering what it is? Windows may tell you that you cannot open it, or in the worst case, you may encounter a corresponding error message related to the DRM file.

Before you can open a DRM file, you need to find out what type of file the DRM file extension is.

Tip: Incorrect DRM file association errors can be a symptom of other underlying issues within your Windows operating system. These invalid entries can also produce associated symptoms such as slow Windows startups, computer freezes, and other PC performance issues. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you scan your Windows registry for invalid file associations and other issues related to a fragmented registry.

Answer:

DRM files are Settings Files that are primarily associated with Yamaha Drum Kits (Yamaha Corporation of America).

DRM files are also associated with Unknown Apple II File (found on Golden Orchard Apple II CD Rom), Pro/ENGINEER (PTC), MRS-802 Drum Kit Data (Zoom Corporation), Drumlin Secured PDF Document (Drumlin Security), Cubase Drum File (Steinberg) and FileViewPro.

Additional types of files may also use the DRM file extension. If you are aware of any other file formats that use the DRM file extension, please contact us so we can update our information accordingly.

How to open your DRM file:

The fastest and easy way Opening your DRM file is a matter of double-clicking on it. IN in this case Windows system she will choose the necessary program to open your DRM file.

In case your DRM file does not open, it is very likely that the required DRM file is not installed on your PC. application program to view or edit files with DRM extensions.

If your PC opens a DRM file but in the wrong program, you will need to change the file association settings in your Windows registry. In other words, Windows associates DRM file extensions with the wrong program.

Install optional products - FileViewPro (Solvusoft) | | | |

DRM File Analysis Tool™

Not sure what type of DRM file is? Do you want to get precise information about a file, its creator and how it can be opened?

Now you can instantly get all necessary information about the DRM file!

Revolutionary DRM File Analysis Tool™ scans, analyzes and reports detailed information about the DRM file. Our patent-pending algorithm quickly analyzes the file and provides detailed information within seconds in a clear, easy-to-read format.†

In just a few seconds, you'll know exactly what type of DRM file you have, the application associated with the file, the name of the user who created the file, the file's protection status, and other useful information.

To get started free analysis file, simply drag and drop your DRM file inside the dotted line below or click "Browse My Computer" and select the file. The DRM file analysis report will be shown below, right in the browser window.

Drag the DRM file here to start analysis

View my computer »

Please also check my file for viruses

Your file is being analyzed... please wait.

DRM stands for Digital Rights Management, which translates to “digital rights management.” Thus, the answer to the question: “DRM protection - what is it” will be: “It is a class of technologies that are used by publishers to control content.” This can be expressed in this way: an audiobook that was purchased digitally on the site will be played normally on the computer with which the purchase was made. But if you copy it to another computer, it will become unnecessary file, which cannot be opened by any player.

Real examples of DRM technologies can be much more complex.

DRM was designed from the beginning to prevent digital products from being copied. But the next generation of technology provided the tools to limit viewing, printing, and editing.

In an attempt to protect the interests of copyright holders, DRM protection has become the cause of a considerable number of complaints from users purchasing digital products. Inability to use purchased music using various devices negatively affected customer demand. As a result, publishers realized that there was an opportunity to sell music in digital form without imposing DRM protection. It will be even more successful. In other words, DRM protection even had a negative impact on sales of various digital products.

DRM protection - what is it?

Over time, these technologies were able to gain support in legislation. For example, in large quantities Countries have laws that prohibit circumvention of copy protection. In these states, disputes about whether DRM protection is needed, how to remove it, etc., are essentially illegal.

But DRM also poses another complication because such technologies can interfere with users' ability to exercise their legal rights. That is why, in order to understand DRM protection - what it is, you need to realize that it is not possible to create backup copies purchased work.

Without delving into legislative practices on the application of various laws in everyday life, it is possible to propose a scheme for how to remove DRM protection, which will be completely legal in most countries. The only exception would be Australia. It is possible to create several copies for your own needs or for reserve, but not for sale or distribution. Please note that the process of creating copies of more than 10 pieces may be considered commercial use. Therefore, you should avoid copying more than normal. There are no clear restrictions on making copies. For this reason, it is technically possible to lose DRM somewhere in the process of obtaining mp3 copies that are not protected. But using a program that is designed to disable copy protection may be a violation of the law. Thus, when talking about how to bypass DRM protection, you should remember that you can only do this for your own personal purposes.

How to do this?

But it’s good that this technology can be removed using programs for common use, which are not covered by DRM protection. How to remove it? The best example In this case, the mp3Recorder Studio application serves. To do this, you need to enable playback of the purchased audio file with protection when using the required program (WMP, iTunes or another). Next, you need to capture the audio using mp3Recorder Studio and then save the audio directly to mp3. This process will use the built-in function of sound cards, which allows you to capture sound already in the middle of the device. Most provide a recording device called a “Stereo Mix”. However, different names are used. This device makes it possible to capture everything that is being played sound card. This may require you to install latest driver from the official website of the card manufacturer. Typically, the drivers that Windows automatically installs most often disable and hide such a device.

“Digital copyright management” (or, more simply, copy protection systems) is supposed to protect, but in reality, not only does it not fulfill its purpose main function, but also makes PCs accessible to hackers. How and for what reason does this happen?

Why do you need to remove DRM protection?

DRM systems can also be insecure. With the wrong options for implementing copy protection, it is possible to open holes in the computer's security system, which, in turn, would remain closed in the absence of DRM. The point here is that to block normal copy functions in the OS software packages rights management requires the broadest access rights to system files, and in fact intercept control of such functions.

A good example of an unsafe implementation of this technology would be protective system from copying audio CDs from Sony BMG. This rootkit was placed on a large number of audio CDs from a music label that is one of the most famous in the world. When such a disc was loaded into Computer CD-ROM, V automatic mode XCP for WINDOWS began. It was supposed to protect against copying of an entire album or the process of stealing tracks from a disc.

The XCP rootkit penetrated deep into the OS, and at the same time it installed completely independently. The ability to uninstall using normal methods was not possible. Also, during operation, it took up a large part of the memory and could cause crashes. But the most important thing is that absolutely nothing was written about this rootkit and its functioning. user agreement(EULA). This is all despite the fact that almost no one reads such agreements.

But the most important thing is that the XCP rootkit created real threat for the entire system. For example, after its installation, all files that begin with $sys$ acquired the “hidden” mode. This was immediately used by virus creators. For example, the Breplibot Trojan, which was sent as attachments to E-mails, was detected only by antivirus programs and programs. Such unsafe files were absolutely invisible to users.

How to disable protection

DRM protection on WMV and WMA files is done in stages.

These days, most audio that is downloaded and protected (WMP, iTunes, Rhapsody, Napster, Bearshare, Spiral Frog) are DRM files.

The process of writing a file is not complicated. There is a free method to remove DRM protection from WMV and WMA files. This is done in two steps.

1. You need to burn the DRM WMA file to a CD or DRM WMV to a DVD.

2. You need to extract WMV and WMA with protection to the PC itself, after which DRM protection will be disabled.

Rewrite method

This method is the most popular and accessible. It consists of burning DRM WMA and DRM WMV files with a regular converter that converts recorded and unprotected files. Precisely because similar technology is easy to use, formats that differ from DRM WMA and DRM WMV will also be supported by converters such as SoundTaxi, NoteBurner and others. But this also has its downsides.

New technology

Hook Hook is an advanced technology that can be used to disable EPUB DRM protection. When comparing these programs with rewriting programs, it is this type that has a noticeable fast conversion. However, it will not be easy to make it work with some of the DRM formats that have new high-quality encryption techniques.

After testing, the result was that DRM protection WMA and DRM WMV is simply removed using Digital Music Converter. This program can extract audio content from DRM WMV files. This program also supports other unprotected formats, such as: mp3, M4b, M4A, WAV, AC3, AAC.

Conversion steps:

1. First you need to add DRM WMA, DRM WMV or other files that are not protected.

2. You need to select the desired outgoing format.

What is DRM? Why do you need to remove DRM from WMA WMV files?

Speaking about the meaning of the term “DRM protection” (what it is - we generally discussed above), you need to know: these are programs that protect against copying and make it difficult to perform actions related to video and audio files. For example, if WMA or WMV files downloaded from WMP are protected with DRM, then it is possible to play them only using compatible devices. If every song had DRM, then the user would have to purchase this track on disk in order to listen to it using a player or car radio. For example, if tunes were purchased on iTunes and they are listened to on the iPOd, then due to the fact that they have already been purchased, the user will not need to perform this action again and again. You just need to remove DRM from the file, and you will be able to play it on iPod, Zune, PSP, CD player, PC and other devices.

Cautions

This method is not entirely suitable, sometimes it can even cause damage to the CD-Roma. WMP only has the ability to record DRM WMA and DRM WMV files. For other formats you will need DVD-Ripper.

Due to the long recording process, the conversion speed will not be better. During the recording process, most of the audio may be lost.

After I read the post about how, I immediately remembered a similar incident. Somehow, when I opened a regular mp3 file, instead of the playback starting, to my surprise, an unknown web page opened. The most interesting thing is that the page was opened in Internet Explorer"e (despite the fact that another browser was installed by default), but on that page, the author of the file could have added some special exploit for IE.

At that moment, I didn’t think about the page with the exploit, and instead of carefully analyzing the file and figuring out what the problem was, I simply deleted it. The only thing I thought about when I saw the unusual behavior of the system was that someone was promoting their site in a rather original way. Several years have passed, but since then I have not encountered such cases. After reading the article about the video virus, I decided that at least this time I would not miss the opportunity to find out how safe some of the most harmless and common files in the whole world are.

Video File

And since the respected TipTop left a comment indicating a link to the file, I didn’t waste time and quickly downloaded the torrent file. But I was not alone - at the same time as me, the same video file was downloaded by about 15 other people who, I thought, also want to analyze it. But now I realized that most likely most of them had other intentions and they did not know that there would be no movie today.

After the download was completed, knowing that other players could not play this file, I immediately opened it in Windows Media Player", and the first thing I saw was the message: “Download media usage rights”:

After this, a more convincing message appeared offering to download the License-Installer file which, by the way, had already been scanned by an antivirus and turned out to be 100% clean:

After carefully viewing the message, clicked on the “Download Now” button and, while waiting for some reaction from the antivirus, I saw a familiar window offering to download a file from the server license.compress.to:

And then the first question arose, if the server is indicated in the first window free-license.imgpop.com, then why does this wonderful file suggest downloading a license from the server? license.compress.to? To find out what the problem was, I visited both sites, hoping to find something tasty there, but, as expected, I found nothing there.

DRM protection

After that, the first thing that came to mind was “run a sniffer,” but I refrained (and did the right thing) - deciding to open the file in a Hex editor. I opened a file in a Hex editor that weighed 150 MB and, fortunately, everything was very simple, because already on the 20th line I found this piece of text:

It became much more interesting. Opened the page http://free-license.imgpop.com/venuf.php?id=Movie_0001.wmv which redirected (HTTP/1.1 302) to the page: http://free-license.imgpop.com/venuf/index.htm, and there I saw a familiar picture, only a little bigger, and even in the browser:

So far everything was going well and wanting to experiment a little, I decided to change the link from the video file to my own. But, seeing that after changing the line, even WMP could not open the file and not knowing what to do, he asked Google if he could tell what this line was, WRMHEADER version="2.0.0.0", which (among many others) I found using the Hex editor?

The answer was short and clear as daylight- I'm dealing with DRM protection of video files. That is, I discovered how, using legal and quite convincing methods, attackers can successfully and confidently distribute malicious files, because: firstly, no antivirus will detect that a video file is infected, and secondly, most users trust Microsoft and will definitely run such files.

Moreover, WMP is not the only player that can open DRM protected files. Full list I didn’t find any players, but I can say with confidence that Nero ShowTime supports DRM, only unlike WMP it reacts more carefully... only if you confirm the download of the license, the web page opens in IE (despite the fact that it is not the default browser ).

Now comes the fun part: if you change the file extension from .wmv V .asf or in .wma, nothing will change, that is, players will still play the media file and, what’s most dangerous, in most cases, .wma files will be opened in Windows Media Player. By the way, I forgot to say that after I opened the video file in the Hex editor, for convenience, I deleted unnecessary bytes and as a result the file size became 5.31KB.

Internet Explorer

Probably many people think that “There is no danger in this! I will not download any licenses! And anyway, what do Internet Explorer, WMP and video files have to do with it?” At first I thought so too, because there is a “Cancel” button, but as it turned out, the danger is not small, and “Cancel” will not save anyone if the file was opened in WMP. And Internet Explorer is a browser, software for viewing websites...

I found information that you can hack DRM protection, but I didn’t do it. Firstly, I didn’t know whether it would be possible to change the link, and secondly, I chose the easier way. In file hosts added the line:
127.0.0.1 free-license.imgpop.com

To the root local server created a file venuf.php and using WMP opened the video clip - after a few seconds the following message appeared:

Further, with the help alert(), decided to try to see if it supports JavaScript - as a result I got a blank page. I thought that it really didn’t work, but using my intuition, I quickly changed the function alert() on document.write(). The result made me smile: this time the page was not empty, which means Windows Media Player supports JavaScript.

Now, the thought that the media player can open web pages, and even supports JavaScript, haunted me. Wanting to find out what this extraordinary player is, I added it to the file venuf.php line:
echo $_SERVER["HTTP_USER_AGENT"];
and even though I have MSIE 8.0 installed, I received the following message:

Finally, I decided to test one exploit for MSIE, written in JavaScript, which causes a denial of service in the browser. I added the exploit to the page, opened the video file and before I could blink, Windows declared that “Windows Media Player has stopped working”:

As you understand, when trying to play a video file, WMP was forcibly disabled, which means that it is vulnerable to an exploit designed for MSIE. I only tested one exploit, but it was enough to change my understanding of media file security.

Instead of a postscript

Having written last lines this article, suddenly an idea came to me: download, install and test one of the most popular multimedia players - Winamp. That's what I did... And when I tried to play the file, the following message appeared:

I was almost sure that everything would be the same as with Nero ShowTime, but curiosity made me click on the “Yes” button... Instead of launching IE, I saw the following:

I didn’t immediately understand what the problem was, thinking that anything could happen, but after a few seconds, I remembered what was in the file venuf.php The exploit code for MSIE remains. Next, using the variable $HTTP_USER_AGENT I found out that, just like WMP, Winamp uses MSIE 7 Internet Explorer for its purposes:

True, unlike Windows Media Player, Winamp does not warn where the license file will be downloaded from, but allows you to right-click and view source pages... and also alerts are triggered for it:

Conclusion

At first glance, not everything is as scary as it seems, but I want to draw your attention to the fact that by opening such a file, the user will not be able to stop the exploit from running, and antivirus program I’m not able to help, because if this is a new exploit, then most likely it has not yet been added to the antivirus database.

Just don’t forget that not all users have other audio and video players installed. Also, I don’t believe that a user who waited 2 hours (at best) to download a long-awaited file, seeing that it won’t play, will simply delete it, and no amount of “don’t open files in this player!” will help. .

UPD:

Protection

To significantly reduce the risk of possible attacks, I recommend disabling in WMP automatic receipt licenses for DRM-protected files. To do this, open Options(Options) and in the tab Confidentiality(Privacy) uncheck the box " Obtain licenses automatically for protected content" (Download usage right automatically when I play or sync a file):

The Android operating system at first glance seems simple, but there is so much in it that when you start to understand the points, your eyes run wide. Some items cause real surprise among users. For example, what does it mean “ Reset DRM(removing all DRM licenses)? A question that few people know the answer to.

DRM stands for Digital Rights Management, which can be translated as “Digital Rights Management”. Speaking in simple language,DRM is an anti-piracy technology and is used by copyright holders to control access and copying of works that they own. DRM is literally a lock, thanks to which the user will not be able to copy or sell a particular product. Probably some super hackers will be able to crack the DRM code, but for regular user technology will play the role of a kind of protection. By the way, in some cases DRM technology allows you to delete a file from the user's device remotely! However, this applies to exceptional cases and only to certain content or software.

When and where is DRM technology found?

• To run a file or program code on a specific device.

• To play files.

• To play files in a specific program.

What does DRM license mean?

In the operating room Android system You can find an item in the “Restore and reset” section called “Removing DRM licenses” or “Resetting DRM licenses”. What does it mean?

DRM license is digital key, which allows you to decrypt the content or gives the right to use it. In the case of Android, we can talk about a license for certain software. For example, the manufacturer builds some kind of application into the firmware, which, after activation, works for a month trial period. After a month, access to the application is blocked and you need to purchase the full version. This is a DRM license, or rather, one of many possible ones.

Resetting DRM licenses

So now you know what a DRM license is. It remains to be seen whether it is possible to remove licenses from a smartphone or tablet. And here we have a very interesting fact: the fact is that if you previously purchased some application or other content with a license, after resetting you may simply lose access to this very application. That is why you need to be extremely careful when resetting DRM licenses, otherwise the consequences may not please you.

Some phone users encounter incomprehensible menu settings on their devices. One of these is Android DRM License Reset. What this process is and whether it is necessary is described in this article.

What is DRM

Digital Rights Management (in the Russian version - “Technical means of copyright protection”) is a technology that allows authors to protect their digital products from piracy. In the case of Android, these are applications.

The protection process is carried out through the programmer introducing certain technical means that prevent illegal use. As a result, a person uses the software only for personal needs and cannot copy or transfer it to other people.

DRM license is the key that opens the digital lock of the application. It is designed using complex cryptographic algorithms to prevent quick hacking.

Important! Hacking or circumventing DRM protection is against the law and will result in civil and administrative penalties in most countries.

The principle of operation of the technology:

1. A person purchases a smartphone or tablet on which (in addition to the OS) special software from the developer is installed.
2. After turning on and activating the device, preinstalled programs work in demo mode on limited period(week, month). After its expiration, the software stops functioning and offers to purchase the full version and a DRM license for it.

Resetting licenses

The main purpose of the reset function is to stop using the purchased software.

Important! Hard system reset does not affect purchased licenses, and deleting the latter does not affect the performance of the OS, but will prohibit the use of programs protected by DRM technology.

After this, reboot your device if this is affected pre-installed applications.

Note! On this moment DRM is losing its relevance due to imperfect protection. Android 6 and above do not have a reset feature.

conclusions

DRM license is a right of use full version software, which is purchased from its copyright holder. The license reset function allows you to abandon such software without affecting the performance of Android.