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

2026 XMAs: Watch the Global Live Broadcast

The 2026 XMAs, presented by Fansly, will stream live to a global audience via the official event website, welcoming fans worldwide to join a celebration of excellence in adult entertainment.

2026 XBIZ Honors Salutes Resilience Across the Online Adult Industry

The 2026 XBIZ Honors packed house Wednesday night, turning the Kimpton Everly Hotel’s Nichols Ballroom into a gala celebration of industry excellence.

Elevated X Adds CCBill Integration for Payment Processing

Elevated X has added CCBill integration for payment processing to its ELXNexus traffic management and affiliate program software.

Florida Congressman Files Latest Bill to Repeal Section 230

Rep. Jimmy Patronis of Florida has become the latest member of Congress to propose legislation that would repeal Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which protects interactive computer services — including adult platforms — from liability for user-generated content.

Irish Parliamentary Committee Weighs Stricter AV Laws

The Irish national parliament’s Joint Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport met Wednesday to discuss regulation of online platforms and improving online safety, including calls for stricter age verification by adult sites.

Ofcom Issues Guidance on Age Check Placement for Adult Sites

U.K. media regulator Ofcom on Wednesday published its recommendations for where and how adult sites should deploy age checks as required for compliance with the Online Safety Act.

Tubes Booster Launches Web Hosting Solutions

Content hosting platform Tubes Booster has launched two new hosting solutions.

YourPaysitePartner Rebrands as Paysite.com

YourPaysitePartner has officially been rebranded as Paysite.com.

SWR Data Announces 2026 'State of Creator' Winter Report

Adult industry market research outfit SWR Data has announced that it will release data from its annual State of the Creator survey at an XBIZ LA workshop, taking place at the Kimpton Everly Hotel.

Holly Randall Launches Marketing Firm, Signs Stripchat Deal

Holly Randall has launched her new marketing firm, Holly Randall Agency, and signed the agency’s first deal with Stripchat.

Show More