Over the weekend, some clever users discovered that the newly launched web version of the Xbox LIVE Marketplace could be exploited, allowing gamers to download DLC that wouldn't otherwise be available to them. This included the Xbox Classic Banjo-Kazooie, which releases on Wednesday and special DLC from promotions and codes like the Gold Lancer in Gears of War 2 and the M1A1 for Call of Duty: World at War.

The exploit was discovered when users that had pre-ordered Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, which gave them access to the early download for the original game. By logging into the web-based XBM, they were able to find the URL to the game and any user could go to the URL and queue the game up for download directly to their Xbox 360. It still cost money, but was available early.

Armed with this knowledge, however, users were able to discover the URL's for code-redeemed content like the Gold Lancer and spread those as well. Even the Gears of War 2 Flashback Map Pack was available, which was Epic's big push for people to buy their game instead of rent or buy it used.

At this time, however, the exploit has been fixed and the DLC is currently not available or priced at 99999 MS Points. Any ill-gotten content appears to still be around and accessible by users.

Source