Facebook Worm Attacks Firefox Users

LOS ANGELES — Firefox users visiting Facebook could be in for a nasty surprise as a mischievous worm may hijack their browser to spread links to porn sites — all without the user's knowledge.

In the attack, visitors to the popular social networking website might see an image of a thong-clad woman, posted on a friend's Facebook wall. When clicked, the visitor is sent to a web page that bears a button stating, "click this button."

Those who click that button activate the worm, which updates their user settings and posts the thong image and link to the user's wall, spreading the link virally.

According to a Facebook spokesperson, the company blocked links to the offending URL and is now removing the malicious links from user's walls.

"Overall, an extremely small percentage of users were affected," the spokesperson said. "As always, we're asking people not to click on suspicious links, even if they've been sent or posted by friends."

Security specialist Roger Thompson posted a demo of the attack on YouTube.

"[The photo link] advertises to all your friends that you went there, so it could get you in trouble with your spouse, family member or your employer if you're doing it at work," Thompson said, adding, "it seems an awfully good hack just to direct people to an adult website for very small gain."

The worm reportedly does not affect visitors using Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser.

Related:  

Copyright © 2026 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

Brazil Lays Out Preliminary Guidelines for New AV Requirements

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Wednesday signed a decree establishing guidelines for new regulations requiring adult websites to age-verify users located in Brazil.

Senate Committee Debates Section 230 Reform

The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a hearing Wednesday on potential changes to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which protects interactive computer services — including adult platforms — from liability for user-generated content.

Pearl Industry Network Offers Free Creator Memberships

Industry trade group Pearl Industry Network (PiN) has launched its free creator membership initiative.

Sam Bird Acquires Fanblast

Sam Bird, former co-director of global talent agency Surge, has acquired creator monetization tool Fanblast and named himself CEO.

'SheHerGirls' Launches Through Paysite.com

The braintrust behind PoleVixens has officially launched a new membership site, SheHerGirls, also through Paysite.com.

FTC Invites Public Comment on 'Click to Cancel' Rulemaking

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced this week that it is seeking public comment on whether it should amend its Negative Option Rule to better address deceptive or unfair practices.

'PSMTickling' Launches Through Paysite.com

PSMTickling.com has officially launched through Paysite.com.

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches for January, February

AEBN has published the top search terms for January and February from its straight and gay theaters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Show More