A user on GitHub has published code in several repositories that allows anyone to download video content from several popular streaming platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+.
The repositories, created by the user Widevinedump, are free to download and use, but they are limited as some options, notably the CDM — Content Decryption Module — appears to be missing from most repositories, which limits the use of these scripts as downloaded content remains encrypted. Users are asked to send the publisher an email to get the locked content enabled, against an unspecified amount of money.
The description refers to the code as leaks, which suggests that the publisher is not the developer of the code. The following services are listed as supported on the repositories:
‘NETFLIX’, ‘AMAZON’, ‘APPLETV’, ‘DISNEYPLUS’, ‘SHAHID’, ‘DCUNIVERSE’, ‘HULU’, ‘STAN’, ‘RAKUTEN’, ‘GOOGLE’, ‘FANDANGONOW’, ‘PEACOCKTV’, ‘HBOMAX’, ‘OSN’
Many online streaming services use Google’s Widevine DRM technology to protect content against downloading. The technology supports different levels, which streaming services may set to secure the streams. Most browsers support Widevine, either directly or by getting permission from users to enable the technology in the web browser.
The blog Torrentfreak discovered the code repositories on GitHub. According to the blog, they got confirmation that the scripts are working from a source, but suggest that using them could get accounts banned or users sued by the streaming companies.
According to the information, the posted scripts are rather old and while they may still work, may not be “the most secure”.
Most repositories lack the CDM, the Content Decryption Module, which means that downloaded videos remain encrypted when downloaded using the scripts. Only the CDM allows the decryption of videos and playback on compatible media players.
A free level 1 content decryption module is available in one of the repositories, but it is probably only a matter of time before the key is revoked and replaced.
Closing Words
Some streaming services support the downloading of content so that the media can be viewed while offline. While that is helpful in some cases, it limits playback to the streaming service’s applications. It remains to be seen if the repositories will be available for long; even if they remain online, their use will likely vanish shortly unless they get updated.
Now You: do you use streaming services?
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