On April 22, 2020, Valve had a new large one for the first time since 2003 Leak the source codes of their games. This time Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Team Fortress 2 are affected. The actual leak took place in 2018. Only now do the files appear in the torrent network.
This creates security concerns: Many players and server operators are worried about this. Because the source code can be used to identify potential weaknesses in the game that grant access to your system.
So-called are particularly feared "Remote Code Executions". Put simply, these allow hackers to run programs on your PC without your knowledge. The Steam operator requests that security notices be submitted on the official website.
Source code for both CS: GO and TF2 dated 2017/2018 that was made available to Source engine licenses was leaked to the public today. pic.twitter.com/qWEQGbq9Y6
– Steam Database (@SteamDB) April 22, 2020
What exactly is in the leak?
According to the leak date they are Contents of the torrent a bit older. They include the complete source codes of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive at the "Operation Hydra" booth, as well as Team Fortress 2 with the "Jungle Inferno" update.
Are players in danger?
Valve confirms the leak in a post on Twitter, but gives one at the same time All-clear for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. You have looked at the leaked files and see at least for players of the latest version no reason to worry.
Team Fortress 2 also gives the all-clear for the current builds and points out that the official servers are probably also the safe ones. The leaked codes come from a depot that was shared with partners at the end of 2017 and, as already described above, was first leaked in 2018. Players with private servers and older builds should still be careful.
From our review, we have not found any reason for TF2 players to be alarmed or avoid the current builds (as always, playing on the official servers is recommended for greatest security).
– Team Fortress 2 (@TeamFortress) April 23, 2020
Where does the leak come from?
The source code comes from a leaker known as "Maxx". He is a former member of Lever Softworksfounded by Tyler McVicker, known for the Valve News Network (VNN). These make it their task to present the unused assets and canceled projects of the half-life developer to the public.
Another member of this group, Jaycie Erysdren, commented on the incident on Twitter and on the Newsweek website. According to her, "Maxx" McVicker has previously urged the disclosure of confidential information and threatened to release leaks, you should throw him out of the group.
The explanation of every leak from today, April 22 2020.
The reason that this leak happened is because one of Tyler's longtime associates was recently removed from Lever Softworks due to problematic behavior including racism, homophobia and transphobia. (1/14)
– Jaycie? (@JaycieErysdren) April 22, 2020
That's exactly what happened, as Erysdren explains: Maxx was removed from the team because of "problematic behaviors" like "racism, homophobia, and transphobia," and this carried out his threat.
Tyler McVicker is already here in touch with Valve’s legal department and support them in coping with the situation.
more on the subject
Half-Life: Alyx is the culmination of VR evolution, but not the end
Past leaks at Valve
The last leak of this magnitude at Valve was over ten years ago. In 2003 the source code of Half-Life 2 appeared on the Internet. At that time, the German Axel Gembe was able to steal the source code of the shooter. He was caught in 2004. Nowadays he regrets his deed.
Valve itself is currently increasingly devoting itself to the development of video games. For example, on March 23, 2020 they published Half-Life: Alyx, the first new part of the series since episode 2 in 2007. The special feature: Alyx is a pure VR shooter.
Since then, Valve has been talking more and more about her more games in the Half-Life universe want to develop. It shouldn't take another 13 years until they appear.
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