This appears to be a FUD. The issue is technically true... but you have to read this phrase correctly: ". . . are planting the URLs into clipboards on both Macs and PCs running Windows . . ." The key is that Macs, running Windows, are vulnerable to having the
Windows' clipboard taken over!
Macs running OS X and browsing with Safari under OS X are not affected.
To: Swordmaker
2 posted on
08/23/2008 7:28:13 PM PDT by
doc1019
(I was taught to respect my elders, but it's getting harder to find one.)
To: 1234; 50mm; 6SJ7; Abundy; Action-America; acoulterfan; aristotleman; af_vet_rr; Aggie Mama; ...
The headline is FUD by including Macs in a Windows issue.
This, apparently, is a Windows vulnerability. Mac users that run Windows XP or VISTA—in either virtualization through Parallels or VMWare's Fusion, or through Boot Camp—AND use Windows for browsing (It is much safer to browse in OS X), can get their Windows' Clipboards taken over by this exploit. Although this report has appeared in at least three on-line publications, Sophos has no article citing the problem on their website.
Still, a warning is appropriate. PING!
Mac Window User Semi-FUD Ping!
If you want on or off the Mac Ping List, Freepmail me.
3 posted on
08/23/2008 7:35:10 PM PDT by
Swordmaker
(Remember, the proper pronunciation of IE is "AAAAIIIIIEEEEEEE!)
To: Swordmaker
The key is that Macs, running Windows, are vulnerable to having the Windows' clipboard taken over! Macs running OS X and browsing with Safari under OS X are not affected. Dammit. I was hoping to rub this in the faces of you Mac users.
Oh well. Someday, someday...
4 posted on
08/23/2008 7:35:17 PM PDT by
lowbridge
("I have never learned to fight for my freedom. I was only good at enjoying it" - Van Den Boogaard)
To: Swordmaker
Macs running OS X and browsing with Safari under OS X are not affected.Computer viruses are spread behaviorally. Just say NO to Windows!
6 posted on
08/23/2008 7:41:56 PM PDT by
SlowBoat407
(ANWR would look great in pumps.)
To: Swordmaker
Ok, I’m feel like an idiot, but what is Windows clipboard?
16 posted on
08/23/2008 9:18:34 PM PDT by
Inyo-Mono
(If you don't want people to get your goat, don't tell them where it's tied.)
To: Swordmaker
he issue is technically true... but you have to read this phrase correctly: ". . . are planting the URLs into clipboards on both Macs and PCs running Windows . . ." The key is that Macs, running Windows, are vulnerable to having the Windows' clipboard taken over! That's just sloppy writing. The vulnerability is in Flash, which has the ability to access the clipboard on both operating systems (and Linux, too).
If you have a Photobucket account, you've probably used the Direct Link facility they put below each image. Click it, and it copies the picture URL to the clipboard. If you examine the underlying code, you will find it uses Javascript to access an included .swf, which does the actual copy operation.
25 posted on
08/24/2008 1:02:16 AM PDT by
cynwoody
To: Swordmaker
I believe I have witnessed the end-result of this very problem. I have received numerous messages on facebook from folks I know, that have a short three or four word message, and a long crazy looking url. While the URLs appear to be different, they all go to the same fake video hosting “page” that if you click ANYWHERE on the page, it downloads an exe file that appears to be a pretty ugly bug.
The friends I have received this from are all pretty good folks who would not intentionally pass on such trash. I suspect they used one of the apps on facebook to send something to all their friends - and the malicious url was put through instead.
Or the problem is completely unrelated - but sure sounds so (notice the reference to facebook in the text).
Of course, as I sit here typing on my iBook, I’m not worried about the .exe file sitting on my desktop.
Anyone want me to send you the file????
30 posted on
08/25/2008 7:29:38 AM PDT by
TheBattman
(Vote your conscience, or don't complain about RINOs!)
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