Windows 7 - Code inserted into win7 iso

Hi all,

I have a question, something that made me very curious, I've read on this forum that its possible to insert code into lets say a Win 7 install iso downloaded from a torrent.

Now my question is, what type of code can be inserted and what's the effects of this?

By asking this, lets be clear, I'm not using a copied Windows 7 iso, I'm just very curious about everything when it comes to PCs. Would like to build my knoledge base.

Thanks allot

Well....lets see how to go about explaining this....

The reason why it is not recommended to download these images of Windows 7 is because virutally anyone can use tools such as DISM, imagex, and sysprep (to name a few) to insert malware (viruses, bots, spyware) directly into the OS itself.

This is a hacker's dream and everyone else's nightmare....Removing a INTEGRATED virus from an OS is not happening....throw a bot in there and you got a "soldier" dedicated to the botnet for life (until you remove the infected OS).

In conclusion....downloading one of these OSs can potentially bring a gift that keeps on giving....an infected machine with no cure...

Just get the official image from MS....end of story

Thanks, this all really interesting, thats the only reason I'm asking.

So in simpler words, the infected OS can upload sensative information(banking info+passwords) without you even knowing it to the "hacker"?

I also hope people read this and realize the potential danger using a download iso.

Thanks Zidane24

YEP!
We learned somehting new today.

You have to remember that the person may have monkeyed with important system files as well. And it's quite possible that the alterations could prevent virus scanners and malware scanners from reporting properly and cleaning any problems.

I often hear people say too that they scanned the system with XXX AV system and it came back clean. Well, keep in mind that if the AV people aren't looking for the particular compromise, the tools may not find it. Usually these types of hacks aren't the ones that AV companies and the like are searching for.

Suffice it to say, but I wouldn't use a pirated copy of windows from a torrent or warez site. I wouldn't trust it with anything...Certainly not to the point where I would put it on my home network, or connect it to my work network via a VPN or use it to login to any type of web site.