A recent development in the world of software piracy has emerged, as a group of hackers known as Massgrave has released a new exploit called TSforge Activation. This exploit allows users to permanently activate various versions of Windows and Office, bypassing Microsoft’s digital rights management (DRM) system. Despite this significant breach, Microsoft appears to be relatively unconcerned about the situation.
The TSforge Activation method is the latest tool created by the Massgrave hacker group, who previously introduced the Microsoft Activation Scripts (MAS) project in 2024. The MAS 3.0 update now includes TSforge Activation, along with bug fixes and enhancements to existing activation scripts. With this new method, users can activate Windows and Office versions, and even receive updates for Windows 10 post the end of official support in October 2025.
The functionality of TSforge Activation relies on replacing key activation files within Microsoft’s Software Protection Platform (SPP) system. By swapping out these files with fake data, the system is tricked into accepting counterfeit product keys or verification codes as legitimate, allowing users to bypass authentication without the need to connect to Microsoft servers. This method currently supports the activation of Windows 7 and later, including Windows Server versions from 2008 R2 to 2025, as well as Office suites from 2013 to 2024 on Windows 8 and newer.
In addition to basic activation capabilities, TSforge Activation also unlocks commercial features for Windows, such as Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 7-10, and provides a means to continue updating Windows 10 using a similar process as was used for Windows 7.
Despite the implications of this exploit, Microsoft has not made any significant efforts to counteract the use of Windows activators. Massgrave hackers have even commended Microsoft for their more robust DRM protection within SPP, in contrast to the perceived inadequacies of older systems like those in Windows XP. It is worth noting that the Microsoft Activation Scripts project is open-source and hosted on GitHub, a platform owned by Microsoft, leading the hackers to argue that their tool is a legitimate alternative for emergency use, even by Microsoft employees.
As the utilization of TSforge Activation and similar exploits continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how Microsoft and other software companies will respond to these ongoing challenges to their DRM systems. With the potential for widespread abuse and piracy, the cybersecurity landscape within the realm of software activation is likely to see further developments and responses in the future.
Source: techspot