Massive Security Breach Found on Facebook and MySpace

CYBERSPACE — A developer has discovered a massive flaw in the security of both Facebook and MySpace that leaves users on both social networking sites vulnerable to massive identity theft and fraud.

The developer, Yvo Schaap, discovered the vulnerability, which works by taking advantage of how the two sites remember users' login information and use that information to activate certain Flash apps. Specifically, if a user checks the "remember me" box in the login modules of either site, and then use a Flash app that makes use of their login information, those actions would make their login information vulnerable to a hacker.

That basic problem could give hackers the power to build malicious Flash apps that could harvest users' other personal information, account numbers, photos, messages and everything else posted on either of the two sites.

Schaap emailed administrators at both sites. MySpace resolved the problem first, while Facebook followed close behind. That's the good news.

The bad news is that this vulnerability has been around for months, which means that any number of users may have had their information harvested.

Facebook has launched an investigation into the origin of the bug.

"The security of our users is a top priority for Facebook and we worked with the researcher who identified the issue to fix it," a representative for Facebook said. "We have not received any reports that it was ever exploited."

Tech analyst Jason Kincaid of TechCrunch.com criticized both sites for their lax security standards, but he saved his harshest words for Facebook

"Facebook is no longer just a platform for learning about your college buddies — it’s a serious business, used for photos and messages that can be very sensitive," he said. "I’ve heard of journalists who regularly use Facebook to reach out to potential sources, when secrecy is of the utmost importance. Apparently that’s not a good idea."

Tech-savvy developers may want to read Schaap's full description of the vulnerability, which apparently takes advantage of an imperfection in the programming of a file called "crossdomain.xml."

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

FSC Publish Analysis of Federal Trade Commission Event Promoting AV

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published an analysis of a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) event held this week that promoted age verification among other forms of speech regulation.

GirlsDoPorn Owner Michael Pratt Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking

Michael Pratt, former owner of the rogue website GirlsDoPorn, pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California on Thursday to sex trafficking and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking charges, according to a report by City News Service.

Master Nico Relaunches Site Through YourPaysitePartner

Master Nico has relaunched his official website through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Federal Judge Grants Partial Halt of Florida AV Law

The United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida, Tallahassee Division, has granted a preliminary injunction against HB 3, the state's age verification law, as a lawsuit filed by two online trade associations challenging the law makes its way through the courts.

Aylo Releases Statement on Suspending Access to Pornhub in France

Technology and media company Aylo, which operates adult sites including Pornhub, YouPorn, and Redtube, has released a public statement regarding its decision to block access to its sites in France.

Pineapple Support to Host Wellness Sessions at Bucharest Summit

Pineapple Support is hosting free group and one-on-one therapy sessions at Bucharest Summit, June 3-5.

Pornhub Blocks Access in France in Response to SREN Law

Pornhub parent company Aylo has opted to block access to its sites in France rather than comply with age verification requirements under the country’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law.

ASACP Highlights Study on Parental Controls

The Association of Sites Advocating Child Protection (ASACP) is highlighting the results of a study on the underutilization of parental controls.

Sydney Screams Launches New Site Through Grooby's Blue.xxx

Sydney Screams has launched her new membership site, SydneyScreams.xxx, through Grooby's website management company Blue.xxx.

Mistress Mystii Is LoyalFans' 'Featured Creator' for June

LoyalFans has named Mistress Mystii as its Featured Creator for June.

Show More