FTP Pubstros

Historia

*Pubstro A pubstro is a computer that has been cracked into, and had an FTP server installed. This FTP server is used to facilitate the transferring and spreading of warez, or copyrighted software. This is typically accomplished by scanning broad IP address ranges with port scanners in search of servers running open ports that are vulnerable to attack by various scripts (e.g. CGI, PHP, VNC, 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 boards, pubstros are frowned upon in the warez scene * 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 selective membership, typically opening public registration for a limited time and then closing until further notice. There are several types of members of FXP boards, each with their own job: Scanners scan IP ranges for vulnerable computers with a fast internet connection. Once a vulnerable system has been found, the information is passed on to the rest of the board and subsequently the hackers. Hackers gain access to and install an FTP server on the systems the scanners have found using different tools depending on the vulnerability. Fillers add Warez to the FTP server, transferring files via FXP from other sources to the newly compromised servers once the hackers have posted the admin details for the FTP servers. Most FXP boards have a time limit on the release time before the release can be posted as a race. If the release is complete and posted after the pre limit it should be posted as a normal fill in a mirror section. If it is still posted in the race area it will be nuked and moved to the appropriate section. FXP boards are the main reason for lots of activity on FTP servers, as the links are posted on multiple boards. Leechers soon exploit the servers, sometimes causing a huge slow-down due to consumed bandwidth. * Topsite Topsite is a term used by the warez scene to refer to underground, highly secretive, high-speed FTP servers used by release groups and couriers for distribution, storage and archiving of warez releases. Topsites have very high-bandwidth Internet connections, commonly supporting transfer speeds of hundreds to thousands of megabits per second; enough to transfer a full Blu-ray in seconds. Topsites also have very high storage capacity; a total of many terabytes is typical. Early on these warez sites were mainly distributing software such as games and applications after the release groups removed any protections. Now they are also a source of other copyright protected works such as movies and music. It is not uncommon for sites to charge for access to the content, although this is frowned upon by the scene itself due to the decreased security