Cool contest! It's interesting that a Linux hack was considered too much work. :)

Maybe we (Nashville 2600) should consider such a contest at PhreakNIC 12 or Outerz0ne 5... we wouldn't be able to offer a cash prize or the hacked computers, but with SkyDog and Dolemite's approval, we might be able to arrange for a trophy and/or additional swag/schwag (along with bagging rights, of course). If there's enough interest, I'll coordinate the project. We'll probably start discussing ideas for PhreakNIC 12 this Friday (April 4, 2008), so if anyone thinks it's feasible (given the prize situation), let me know.

Here's more detail on the targets at CanSecWest PWN2OWN 2008:

VAIO VGN-TZ37CN running Linux Ubuntu 7.10
Fujitsu U810 running Windows Vista Ultimate SP1
MacBook Air running Mac OSX 10.5.2

Each has a file on them and it contains the instructions and how to claim the prize.

The main purpose of this contest is to present new vulnerabilities in these systems so that the affected vendor(s) can address them. Participation is open to any registered attendee of CanSecWest 2008.

While it certainly makes sense to target the big three...
Should use Debian or Ubuntu (or something else) for the Linux distribution?
Should we include Solaris (and if so, SPARC or x86)?
Should we include Windows XP?
Should we include FreeBSD (and if so, which architecture)?

RE: Mac and Vista SP1 down, Linux still rocking