DOS, Seneca the Younger, Outlook, CopyFail, cPanel, QR, Ruby, Go, Talkie, Josh Marpet - SWN #577

Microsoft's release of the original MS-DOS 1.00 kernel source code—pre-dating the 'MS-DOS' branding—has reignited interest in computing's foundational era, revealing a system born from a 'Quick and Dirty Operating System' (QDOS) created by Tim Patterson. This ancient code, transcribed from fragile green bar paper due to poor print quality, underscores how far computing has come. Meanwhile, the episode highlights a cascade of modern security threats: a critical Linux kernel vulnerability dubbed 'Copy Fail' that allows local users to escalate to root with a 732-byte Python script, a severe cPanel/WHM authentication bypass affecting 70 million domains, and a surge in QR code phishing attacks that doubled in Q1 2026. Supply chain attacks targeting Ruby and Go packages—masquerading as legitimate libraries—exfiltrate secrets and enable persistent SSH access. The hosts also critique the growing reliance on AI in financial auditing, praising the UK's Financial Reporting Council for its forward-thinking guidance on mitigating AI risks like hallucinations, flawed reasoning, and non-compliant methodologies. A recurring theme is the paradox of modern security: while we’ve advanced technologically, fundamental flaws in identity verification, patch management, and user behavior remain unaddressed.