{
	"id": "541cf7f9-acf7-4ec0-b9ac-c915794a6656",
	"created_at": "2026-04-06T00:21:56.860829Z",
	"updated_at": "2026-04-10T03:30:50.386611Z",
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	"sha1_hash": "0d154b0f1c93ced88303ad671f5c142decab27b2",
	"title": "Hacking group claims to have cracked Microsoft's software licensing security on a massive scale",
	"llm_title": "",
	"authors": "",
	"file_creation_date": "0001-01-01T00:00:00Z",
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	"plain_text": "Hacking group claims to have cracked Microsoft's software\r\nlicensing security on a massive scale\r\nBy Alfonso Maruccia\r\nPublished: 2024-12-02 · Archived: 2026-04-05 15:52:34 UTC\r\nServing tech enthusiasts for over 25 years.\r\nTechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust.\r\nA hot potato: \"This is the largest breakthrough in Windows/Office piracy ever,\" hacker collective Massgrave are\r\nclaiming on X. The exploit reportedly enables permanent activation of nearly all modern versions of Windows and\r\nOffice, from Windows Vista to Windows 11 and Server 2025. The method also supports volume activation\r\nthrough the client-server Key Management Services model.\r\nMassgrave is a prominent group within the piracy scene, known for creating highly effective scripts designed to\r\nactivate Microsoft software. These tools have gained significant popularity and are expected to see even broader\r\nuse in the near future.\r\nMost recently, the Microsoft Activation Scripts (MAS) project announced what it describes as a \"groundbreaking\"\r\ndevelopment in Microsoft software activation.\r\nAccording to the hackers, they have successfully bypassed nearly the entire protection scheme that underpins the\r\noriginal licensing model for Windows and Office. This new cracking method, described as highly effective, is\r\nanticipated to be publicly released in the coming months.\r\nThis is the largest breakthrough in Windows / Office piracy ever.\r\nThis solution will be available in the coming months – stay tuned for updates!\r\npic.twitter.com/8wwM3JjSJF\r\n– MAS (@massgravel) November 29, 2024\r\nThe hack can also reportedly activate licenses tied to the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, allowing\r\nWindows 10 users to access free security patches beyond the official end-of-support date in October 2025. This\r\nnew method is described as both effective and straightforward, as it does not require third-party file installations\r\nor modifications to system files.\r\nThe MAS project currently provides a variety of tools designed to activate unauthorized copies of modern\r\nWindows and Office editions. While several developers have contributed to refining this established piracy\r\ntechnology, details about the new method remain scarce. On Reddit, the hackers offered a partial explanation,\r\nstating that the method is still under development and not yet finalized.\r\nhttps://www.techspot.com/news/105785-mas-developers-achieve-major-breakthrough-windows-office-cracking.html\r\nPage 1 of 2\n\nThe upcoming hack is said to be especially useful for older versions of Windows. However, the developers note\r\nthat \"traditional\" methods, such as HWID activation, are still preferable for \"multiple reasons.\"\r\nWhile Microsoft could theoretically patch the new hack, doing so would apparently require a significant overhaul\r\nof their old DRM code and implementing an entirely new activation system to fully address the vulnerability.\r\nActivation scripts from the MAS project have been available for years, enabling the activation of nearly any\r\nstandalone, non-cloud Microsoft product. Despite this, Microsoft appears largely indifferent to these\r\ndevelopments, focusing instead on generating revenue through advertising, Azure cloud services, and generative\r\nAI, rather than aggressively enforcing DRM for legacy software.\r\nSource: https://www.techspot.com/news/105785-mas-developers-achieve-major-breakthrough-windows-office-cracking.html\r\nhttps://www.techspot.com/news/105785-mas-developers-achieve-major-breakthrough-windows-office-cracking.html\r\nPage 2 of 2",
	"extraction_quality": 1,
	"language": "EN",
	"sources": [
		"MISPGALAXY",
		"Malpedia"
	],
	"references": [
		"https://www.techspot.com/news/105785-mas-developers-achieve-major-breakthrough-windows-office-cracking.html"
	],
	"report_names": [
		"105785-mas-developers-achieve-major-breakthrough-windows-office-cracking.html"
	],
	"threat_actors": [
		{
			"id": "9535ec55-d2f4-4e82-a699-da8941c11c77",
			"created_at": "2024-12-21T02:00:02.849242Z",
			"updated_at": "2026-04-10T02:00:03.783226Z",
			"deleted_at": null,
			"main_name": "Massgrave",
			"aliases": [],
			"source_name": "MISPGALAXY:Massgrave",
			"tools": [],
			"source_id": "MISPGALAXY",
			"reports": null
		}
	],
	"ts_created_at": 1775434916,
	"ts_updated_at": 1775791850,
	"ts_creation_date": 0,
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