Facebook Vulnerability Allows Hacker to Alter Conversations

Facebook Vulnerability Allows Hacker to Alter Conversations

An online security company, Check Point Software Technologies, found a security flaw in Facebook’s Messenger platform that allowed hackers to change messages in a Facebook chat after they had been sent.

It goes like this – someone could send you a link, any link that is not malicious in any way. A hacker then swoops in and replaces that chat message with a different link that could send you to a malware installation package, tricking you into infecting your system.

The vulnerability, explained in detail on Check Point’s blog, is exploited by finding a message’s unique “message_id” identifier then altering the message’s content and sending it back to Facebook which accepts the new content as genuine, without alerting the recipient of the change.

According the Check Point, the vulnerability was found earlier this month, and Facebook has been notified. The social media network moved quickly to eradicate the problem.

The Facebook Messenger vulnerability comes as founding father of Facebook, Mark Zuckerburg’s credentials to sites like Pinterest and Twitter were leaked as a likely result of the LinkedIn password hack in revealed in May. Other sites like MySpace and Tumblr have been battling password leaks as well.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

New Products

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.