1. Are there ways to create a CD that cannot be copied? If yes please
list methods and specify whether they require pressing or burning the
CD?
2. Otherwise, please list strong protection strategies along with a
method for cracking that protection
3. Once a CD has been pressed (not burnt), is it possible to use a CD
burner to add information? If it is not generally possible, are there
ways of doing it?
4. Are you aware of any fundamental research being conducted in the
area of CD protection? Please include a header with research subject,
team contact details and provide a link to scientific papers when
available.

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Clarification of Question by hariquestions-ga on 04 Aug 2003 09:27 PDT

By the way, I have read the answer to question
Subject: Copy Protecting a CD 
Category: Computers > Software 
Asked by: aarogya-ga 
List Price: $10.00 Posted: 28 Oct 2002 12:55 PST 
Expires: 27 Nov 2002 12:55 PST 
Question ID: 91304 
I am looking for more detailed information.

Dear hariquestions,


Here's an example to copy-protect a Data CD.
You can do this by adding a dummy Data track so that the backup disc
will have 2 Data tracks (which is in fact an Illegal Table of
Contents).

Example using Crash Bandicoot 3 [PAL] (PSX): 

Get CDRWin 3.6b (or higher) and create an image of the CD (1 Mode2
data track).
The CUE-file should look something like this: 
FILE "C:\TEMP\CRASH3.BIN" BINARY
TRACK 01 MODE2/2352
INDEX 01 00:00:00


Go to CDRWin -> Record Disc -> Load Cuesheet and read the Total Disc
Time (should be 32:36:12).
Now add another (dummy) data track at the end of the cue file by using
notepad and set it to the Total Disc Time minus 2 seconds(!).
FILE "C:\TEMP\CRASH3.BIN" BINARY
TRACK 01 MODE2/2352
INDEX 01 00:00:00
TRACK 02 MODE2/2352
INDEX 01 32:34:12 <--  Total Disc Time (32:36:12) minus 2 seconds


Look at CDRWin -> Record Disc -> Disc Layout... and you will see the
added track starts at 32:36:12 (not 32:34:12). The  time is equal to
the Lead Out starttime, so it should not come in range of the data
track.
Now record disc with CDRWin and you will get a CD with 2 data tracks.

The Crash Bandicoot 3 game runs fine on a Playstation.

Nero Burning Rom is the only program that can make a copy of this CD
using the CD-Recorder as CD-Reader. It can't be copied on a CD-ROM
reader (at least not on a Plextor PX-20TS)!

This trick should also works with Mixed Mode and Audio CD's.

To create an Mixed-Mode CD with an Illegal TOC subtract 4 seconds from
the total time instead of the 2 seconds (just subtract seconds until
CDRWin accepts the CUE-Sheet). Keep in mind that in CDRWin the total
time of the new track should be at least the lead-out time.

USED HARD- AND SOFTWARE: 

Plextor PX-R412C 
Plextor PX-20TS 
Recordable: Philips Silver Premium 
CDRWin v3.6b & v3.7a (Win98) 



Create a Copy Protected CD #2

Here's an another example to copy-protect a Data CD by adding a dummy
Data track so that the backup disc will have 2 Data tracks.

If the second track has a different CD "mode" than the first then the
CD WON'T BE COPIED AT ALL. Tried it on Heroes of Might & Magic 3 and
NERO, CDRWin and EasyCD are not able to copy it.

Use the following CDRWin CUE-Sheet to write the CD.
FILE "HMM3.BIN" BINARY
TRACK 01 MODE1/2352
INDEX 01 00:00:00
TRACK 02 MODE2/2352
INDEX 01 73:30:45



Copy Protection Tools

Here are all the available tools to generate a Copy Protected DATA or
AUDIO CD:

CCD-Lock 
CD-Protector 
CloneAudioProtector 
Easy Audio Lock 
FreeLock 
TZCopyprotection 
WinLock 
WTM CD Protect 



There are several encryption programmes available, for example:

Encryption Plus for CDROM

Encryption Plus for CD-ROM (EPCD) is an encryption application
designed to encrypt information requiring protection against access by
unauthorized persons.

The CD creator encrypts the CDROM information, transfer this data to a
CD-ROM, and then distribute the CD-ROM with full assurance that only
authorized users will be able to access data on the CD-ROM.

CDROMs encrypted with EPCD can still be accessed, the directory and
file names are readable. However, the directory and files contents
cannot be opened and viewed.

A small decryption engine on the User's workstation is able to decrypt
the information on-the-fly. This is totally transparent to the user.

If you require more information, go to: 
http://www.cdmediaworld.com/


The StarForce range of products, which are available for your viewing
at:
http://www.star-force.com/


If this information is inadequate, feel free to clarify.



References:

http://www.cdmediaworld.com/hardware/cdrom/cd_protect_cd.shtml
http://www.star-force.com/

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Request for Answer Clarification by hariquestions-ga on 14 Aug 2003 03:59 PDT

Hi,
Thanks for your research. Your answer however is incomplete:
1. It appears that the methods you list ar crackable, and quite easily
so. The protection needs to be effective against sophisticated
hackers, not just the ordinary Joe Blow trying to hitch a free ride on
quake or the like. So I would like comments on the quality of
protection to be made from that perspective.
As for the CDCops solution, the company claims their product makes CDs
uncopiable, but I would like some third party comment on that.
2. Your research answers this question
3 and 4. These points have not been addressed in your answer.

Regards,

Hari.

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Clarification of Answer by aresearcher-ga on 13 Sep 2003 03:20 PDT

Dear Sir,

I was not aware that the methods given above are crackable. I have
been scouring the internet for eons for the information, but have not
been able to come up with anything. It is highly probable that the
information you require is highly classified technology. What I
suggest you do is, post another question so that another researcher
will be able to answer your question, or abandon the pursuit
altogether.

Greetings Hariquestions:

I have searched and searched over the weekend and have been unable to
locate what appears to be highly guarded technology regarding the
research portion of your question.  I have requested that the editors
remove my answer.  Thank you again for your patience and I hope that
another researcher will be able to assist you.

Best regards,
journalist-ga

Oh, I totally forgot to add this product:
CD-COPS II, a total antipiracy solution for CD-ROMs. 

CD-COPS recognizes the original disc and thereby rejects all illegal
copies that were produced on a CD-R burner, or by "professional
pirates" expertly using illegal glass-masters. Minute differences are
scanned and measured to establish the disc's fingerprint and to ensure
that illegal copies are not accepted. This fingerprint is expressed as
an access code, or unique key number. The software utility which
identifies, recognizes and either accepts, or rejects the CD-ROM, is
itself protected by "Code Security", a system that has been in use
since 1984 and is well-known throughout the world, as being virtually
unbreakable. Code Security is a legend in the Middle East where piracy
is a very serious problem.

CD-COPS protection does not rely on special mastering, or
manufacturing process; no special equipment is necessary. Therefore,
any pressing factory can produce CD-COPS protected discs. The only
actual restriction for the manufacturing proceedings is the strict
compliance to the quality rules and standards contained in the Yellow
Book, issued by Philips.

For more information, go to:
http://www.mediawiseint.com/cdcops.html