A pubstro is a computer that has been cracked into, and had an
FTP
The File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a standard communication protocol used for the transfer of computer files from a server to a client on a computer network. FTP is built on a client–server model architecture using separate control and data ...
server installed. This FTP server is used to facilitate the transferring and spreading of
warez
Warez is a common computing and broader cultural term referring to pirated software (i.e. illegally copied, often after deactivation of anti-piracy measures) that is distributed via the Internet. Warez is used most commonly as a noun, a plural ...
, or copyrighted software.
This is typically accomplished by scanning broad
IP address
An Internet Protocol address (IP address) is a numerical label such as that is connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication.. Updated by . An IP address serves two main functions: network interface ident ...
ranges with
port scanner
A port scanner is an application designed to probe a server or host for open ports. Such an application may be used by administrators to verify security policies of their networks and by attackers to identify network services running on a host and ...
s in search of servers running open ports that are vulnerable to attack by various scripts (e.g.
CGI,
PHP
PHP is a general-purpose scripting language geared toward web development. It was originally created by Danish-Canadian programmer Rasmus Lerdorf in 1993 and released in 1995. The PHP reference implementation is now produced by The PHP Group ...
,
VNC
Virtual Network Computing (VNC) is a graphical desktop-sharing system that uses the Remote Frame Buffer protocol (RFB) to remotely control another computer. It transmits the keyboard and mouse input from one computer to another, relaying the g ...
, etc.). The scripts are utilized to gain entry into the server whereupon the cracker uploads server software and creates logins. Many crackers will then patch the server against the very vulnerabilities they utilized to compromise the system thereby protecting it from being hijacked by other
FXP groups.
Although widely used among
FXP board
An FXP board is an internet forum composed of members which distribute access to FTP servers or "pubstros". These forums are used to provide access to servers usually containing warez. FXP boards generally differ from other forums by having a very ...
s, pubstros are frowned upon in the
warez scene
The Warez scene, often referred to as The Scene, is a worldwide, underground, organized network of pirate groups specializing in obtaining and illegally releasing digital media for free before their official sale date. The Scene distributes all fo ...
.
See also
*
Cybercrime
A cybercrime is a crime that involves a computer or a computer network.Moore, R. (2005) "Cyber crime: Investigating High-Technology Computer Crime," Cleveland, Mississippi: Anderson Publishing. The computer may have been used in committing the ...
*
Topsite (warez)
Topsite is a term used by the Warez (scene), warez scene to refer to underground, highly secretive, high-speed File Transfer Protocol, FTP servers used by Warez group, release groups and couriers for distribution, storage and archiving of warez rel ...
References
* Braithwaite, Richard
"The ‘pubstro’ phenomenon: Robin Hoods of the Internet"(2003). ACIS 2003 Proceedings. 104.
* Jelver, P.
Pubstro-hacking – Systematic Establishment of Warez Servers on Windows Internet Servers Verified: July 24 (2003), July 23 (2002)
* {{cite journal, last1 = Stefan, first1 = Axelsson, title = Visualisation for Intrusion Detection - Hooking the Worm, journal = In the Proceedings of the 8th European Symposium on Research in Computer Security (ESORICS 2003), Volume 2808 of LNCS, year = 2003, publisher = Springer Verlag, citeseerx = 10.1.1.2.3933
an
explanations on aboutthescene.com.
Warez