Similar to virus technology
Security experts compared PassThisOn's code to the KakWorm virus, which uses a "known security vulnerability in Outlook Express...that creates a file 'kak.hta' to the Windows Startup directory," according to a description of the virus.
The difference, specialists say, is that PassThisOn's code relies on people sending the code to friends. "It's similar to the KakWorm, but instead of it automatically mailing itself to everyone in your address book, its service is relying on everyone to send the code to their friends," High said.
"It's just expecting users to pass along these cute comics to each other. It's like a spam virus, except that humans are the ones sharing the code," he added.
Adam Hale, a software professional who discovered the code in the last couple of weeks, said that consumers using Windows 98 SE, the last version of Windows 98 before the new Windows Millennium Edition software was released, are using a browser version that is susceptible to the exploit.
Hale downplayed the significance of the home page switch, saying the real danger lies in the browser security hole, which could create the opportunity for more damaging mischief.
"What scares me is not that (Wallace) is changing my home page, but the idea that he's hacking into my machine and placing a file there," Hale said. "He could put anything, including a virus, in there."
Geez, if I did that to them, I would be prosecuted for hacking. Guess the laws written the the people don't apply to Companies.
Have a Nice Penguin Day..!
R Spinks