Windows RT can be tweaked to run desktop apps, hacker says

January 07, 2013

Running traditional desktop apps on Windows RT may be one step closer to reality, thanks to a vulnerability that a hacker claims lets you run any desktop app on the ARM version of Windows. A hacker called 'clrokr' recently detailed the Windows RT exploit, which requires manipulating a part of Windows RT's system memory that governs whether unsigned apps can run. Clrokr says the exploit was possible thanks to a vulnerability in the Windows kernel that was ported to Windows RT. The bad news is this is not a simple exploit and requires significant knowledge of how Windows works, so for now the RT exploit is strictly in the domain of programmers and tinkerers. Even if you got the exploit working, you'd also have to know how to compile legacy Windows desktop programs for ARM processors. It also appears this hack is temporary and would be wiped out following a system reboot. Nevertheless, it's interesting to see that hackers are hard at work figuring out how to run unapproved apps on Windows RT tablets. Microsoft decided to follow in Apple's footsteps with Windows RT by completely locking down devices running the OS. The traditional desktop on Windows RT will run only apps that are digitally signed by Microsoft; third-party apps are not allowed. And apps for the modern UI Start Screen on Windows RT are available only through the Windows Store. To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

Link: http://www.pcworld.com/article/2023856/windows-rt-can-be-tweaked-to-run-desktop-apps-hacker-says.html