Published Date: 2016-11-14
| Postmortem Analysis | |
|---|---|
| Timeline | 1. The software failure incident involving the hack of Adult FriendFinder and other sites in the FriendFinder network happened in October 2016 [49749]. 2. The software failure incident involving the hack of user logins for tech giants like Amazon, Apple, and Facebook happened between 2018 and 2020 [115263]. |
| System | 1. vBulletin software used by Hookers.nl for hosting online forums and discussions [90966] 2. Friend Finder Network's infrastructure and database security [49751, 49567, 36248, 48822, 49749] |
| Responsible Organization | 1. Hackers targeted the websites Hookers.nl, Adult Friend Finder, and other sites under the Friend Finder Network, resulting in the theft of user data [90966, 49751, 49567, 36248, 48822, 49749]. 2. The software vulnerabilities in the chat room software of Hookers.nl and the vBulletin program used by the websites were exploited by the hackers [90966]. 3. The hackers responsible for the breaches of Adult Friend Finder and other Friend Finder Network sites were identified as 'Revolver' or '1x0123' and 'Peace' [48822, 49749]. 4. The malware attack on tech giants like Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and others was conducted by unidentified hackers [115263]. |
| Impacted Organization | 1. Users of a site for sex workers in the Netherlands called Hookers.nl [90966] 2. Customers of the parent company Friend Finder Network, including users of Adult Friend Finder in Australia [49751, 49567] 3. Members of the Adult FriendFinder site, including users of Penthouse, Stripshow, and iCams [36248, 48822, 49749] |
| Software Causes | 1. A bug in the chat room software of Hookers.nl was exploited by a malicious hacker, leading to the theft of account details of over 250,000 users [90966]. 2. Security vulnerabilities in the infrastructure of Adult FriendFinder allowed hackers to gain access to a database of millions of users, potentially exposing sensitive information such as email addresses, passwords, and personal details [48822, 49749]. 3. A backdoor known as Local File Inclusion, which was publicized on a hacking forum two years ago, was likely used by hackers to access the servers of Adult FriendFinder, compromising the security of the platform [48822, 49749]. 4. The use of vulnerable software programs like vBulletin on sites such as Hookers.nl made them susceptible to exploitation by cyber-criminals, leading to data breaches and theft [90966]. |
| Non-software Causes | 1. Lack of adequate security measures and vulnerability management in the chat room software used by Hookers.nl, leading to the exploitation of a bug and subsequent data breach [90966]. 2. Inadequate protection of user data and passwords by Friend Finder Network, as passwords were stored in insecure formats, making them easier to attack [49567]. 3. Failure to address and fix security vulnerabilities promptly, as seen in the delayed deployment of a patch for the vBulletin software vulnerability before several sites were breached [90966]. 4. Insufficient cybersecurity protocols and flaws in the Virtual Private Network (VPN) system used by Colonial Pipeline, such as the lack of multifactor authentication, leading to a ransomware attack [115263]. 5. Lack of proper data protection and encryption practices, as evidenced by the storage of passwords in clear-text or weakly hashed formats by Friend Finder Networks, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks [49567, 49749]. |
| Impacts | 1. Personal details of over 250,000 people who used a site for sex workers in the Netherlands were stolen in a hack attack, potentially exposing them to blackmail and other risks [90966]. 2. The data breach of Friend Finder Network's 412 million user accounts worldwide exposed sensitive personal information, including sexual preferences, email addresses, passwords, and more, leading to concerns about privacy and potential misuse of the data [49751, 49567]. 3. The hack of Adult FriendFinder resulted in the exposure of more than 412 million accounts from various adult hookup and webcam sites, including email addresses, passwords, dates of last visits, browser information, IP addresses, and site membership status, raising fears of personal details being leaked and published online [36248, 48822, 49749]. 4. The malware hack targeting tech giants like Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and others resulted in the theft of 26 million user logins and vital payment information, potentially leading to financial losses and privacy breaches for the affected users [115263]. |
| Preventions | 1. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments could have helped identify and patch the bug in the chat room software of Hookers.nl before it was exploited by the hacker [90966]. 2. Implementing timely software updates and patches, as in the case of vBulletin, could have prevented the exploitation of known vulnerabilities in the software [90966]. 3. Enforcing strong password policies, using encryption for sensitive data, and securely storing passwords could have mitigated the impact of the data breach on Hookers.nl and other sites like Adult FriendFinder [90966, 49751, 49567, 36248, 48822, 49749]. 4. Utilizing multi-factor authentication for user accounts could have added an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access to user data [49749]. 5. Improving overall cybersecurity hygiene, such as ensuring secure login systems and regularly updating security protocols, could have reduced the risk of successful cyberattacks on the websites [115263, 36248, 48822, 49749]. |
| Fixes | 1. Patching the vulnerability in the vBulletin software used by Hookers.nl to prevent further exploitation by hackers [90966]. 2. Implementing stronger security measures and protocols to protect user data, such as encryption and secure storage of passwords [90966]. 3. Conducting a thorough investigation into the security breach, identifying the root cause, and addressing any other potential vulnerabilities in the system [90966]. 4. Not storing passwords in insecure formats and ensuring that all sensitive data is properly protected [49567]. 5. Enhancing cybersecurity measures to prevent future attacks, such as malware infections and data breaches, by regularly updating security systems and monitoring for any suspicious activities [115263]. 6. Implementing multi-factor authentication to enhance the security of user accounts and prevent unauthorized access [36248]. 7. Educating users on best practices for online security, including creating strong and unique passwords, being cautious of phishing attempts, and avoiding downloading suspicious software [36248]. 8. Promptly responding to security incidents, notifying affected users, and providing guidance on how to protect their accounts and personal information [49749]. | References | 1. The articles gather information about the software failure incident from Leaked Source [49751, 49567, 36248, 49749]. 2. The articles also gather information from security researchers and experts [49751, 49567, 48822, 49749]. 3. Information is sourced from the affected companies themselves, such as Friend Finder Networks and Adult FriendFinder [49751, 49567, 36248, 49749]. 4. The articles mention information coming from hackers or individuals claiming responsibility for the breaches [49751, 48822, 49749]. 5. Additional information is sourced from cybersecurity providers like NordLocker [115263]. 6. The articles also reference news outlets and platforms like ZDNet and Motherboard [49567, 48822]. 7. Specific details and statements are provided by company representatives, such as Diana Ballou from FriendFinder [49749]. |
| Category | Option | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Recurring | one_organization, multiple_organization | (a) The software failure incident having happened again at one_organization: - Adult FriendFinder, an online hookup site, experienced a hack for the second time in just over a year, exposing more than 412 million accounts from various adult hookup and webcam sites [Article 49749]. - The previous hack of Adult FriendFinder occurred in May 2015, where 3.9 million accounts were breached [Article 49749]. (b) The software failure incident having happened again at multiple_organization: - Friend Finder Networks, the parent company of Adult FriendFinder, experienced a massive hack in 2016, exposing more than 412 million accounts from various adult hookup and webcam sites [Article 49749]. - Other sites affected by the hack included Penthouse, Stripshow, and iCams [Article 49749]. - The incident involving the hack of multiple adult hookup and webcam sites was one of the biggest online breaches of 2016 [Article 49749]. |
| Phase (Design/Operation) | design, operation | (a) In the case of the software failure incident related to the development phase, specifically the design aspect, the incident was caused by a vulnerability in the vBulletin program used by Hookers.nl for hosting online forums and discussions. Security researchers identified a bug in the program that could be exploited to steal data, leading to the breach on the site [90966]. (b) Regarding the software failure incident related to the operation phase, the incident was due to the misuse of the system by hackers who exploited a vulnerability in the infrastructure of the Adult FriendFinder site. The hackers gained access to a database of millions of users by exploiting a Local File Inclusion flaw, allowing them to access and read files on the server and potentially spy on user activity [48822]. |
| Boundary (Internal/External) | within_system, outside_system | (a) within_system: - The software failure incidents reported in the articles are primarily due to vulnerabilities and security flaws within the systems themselves. For example, in the case of the Adult FriendFinder hack, hackers exploited a backdoor in the company's servers, known as a Local File Inclusion, to gain access to user data [36248, 48822, 49749]. - The incidents involved breaches of user data, including email addresses, passwords, dates of last visits, browser information, IP addresses, and site membership status, indicating failures within the system's security measures [36248, 49749]. - The vulnerabilities within the systems allowed hackers to steal sensitive personal information, leading to significant data breaches affecting millions of users [36248, 48822, 49749]. (b) outside_system: - The software failure incidents also involved external factors contributing to the breaches. For instance, in the case of the Adult FriendFinder hack, hackers used a backdoor that was publicized on a hacking forum two years prior to the incident, suggesting knowledge of external vulnerabilities [48822, 49749]. - The incidents were not solely caused by internal system failures but also by the exploitation of known vulnerabilities that existed outside the system, highlighting the importance of addressing both internal and external security risks [48822, 49749]. |
| Nature (Human/Non-human) | non-human_actions, human_actions | (a) The software failure incident occurring due to non-human actions: - Article 90966 reports a software failure incident where account details of more than 250,000 people were stolen in a hack attack on a site for sex workers in the Netherlands. The attacker exploited a bug in the chat room software found last month, leading to the data breach [90966]. - Article 115263 describes a malware hack where hackers stole 26 million user logins for tech giants and payment information by infecting computers through emails or downloading bootleg software. The malware took screenshots of browsing activity and personal information, indicating a non-human action causing the software failure [115263]. (b) The software failure incident occurring due to human actions: - Article 49751 and Article 49567 discuss the hacking incidents on Adult Friend Finder and Friend Finder Networks, where hackers gained access to databases of millions of users by exploiting vulnerabilities in the infrastructure of the sites. The hackers, known as Revolver, Peace, and others, breached the security systems through backdoors and vulnerabilities, indicating human actions leading to the software failures [49751, 49567]. - Article 36248 and Article 48822 also report on hacking incidents on Adult FriendFinder, where cyber criminals intercepted personal details of users by attacking the web services of the site. The hackers copied large amounts of data from the company's servers and published it online, showcasing human actions contributing to the software failure [36248, 48822]. |
| Dimension (Hardware/Software) | software | (a) The software failure incident occurring due to hardware: - There is no specific mention of the software failure incident occurring due to contributing factors originating in hardware in the provided articles. (b) The software failure incident occurring due to software: - The software failure incidents reported in the articles are primarily due to contributing factors originating in software. For example, in Article 90966, a hack attack on Hookers.nl was attributed to exploiting a bug in its chat room software. Additionally, in Article 49751, the hack on Adult Friend Finder exposed personal details due to a security breach in the software. These incidents highlight failures in software security leading to data breaches and hacks. [90966, 49751] |
| Objective (Malicious/Non-malicious) | malicious | (a) The software failure incidents described in the articles are malicious in nature. 1. In Article 90966, a hack attack on the site Hookers.nl resulted in the theft of account details of over 250,000 people due to a bug in the chat room software that was exploited by a malicious hacker. The attacker offered the stolen data for sale on a dark web marketplace, indicating malicious intent [90966]. 2. Article 49751 reports on a hack of the Adult Friend Finder network, where 412 million user accounts were compromised, marking the company's second major security breach. The breach involved the theft of personal details, including email addresses, passwords, and other sensitive information, by cybercriminals [49751]. 3. Article 49567 discusses a hack where hackers stole 26 million user logins for tech giants, including Amazon, Apple, and Facebook, as well as payment information. The malware hack involved stealing personal information from computers, indicating a malicious intent to steal sensitive data [115263]. 4. Article 36248 describes a cybercriminal attack on users of an adult dating website, AdultFriendFinder, where sensitive personal data such as email addresses, postcodes, and sexual preferences were hacked. The criminals attacked the web services of AdultFriendFinder, indicating a malicious intent to access and potentially misuse personal information [36248]. 5. In Article 48822, hackers tapped into the online hookup site Adult FriendFinder, gaining access to a database of 73 million users. The hackers exploited a vulnerability in the site's infrastructure, potentially exposing millions of users and leaking employees' personal information, indicating a malicious intent to compromise the system [48822]. Therefore, based on the information from the articles, the software failure incidents described are malicious in nature, involving hacks and breaches carried out with the intent to harm the systems and steal sensitive data. |
| Intent (Poor/Accidental Decisions) | poor_decisions | (a) poor_decisions: - The software failure incidents reported in the articles were primarily due to poor decisions made by the companies operating the affected websites. These poor decisions included storing passwords in insecure formats, failing to deploy security patches in a timely manner, and not implementing proper security measures to protect user data [90966, 49567, 36248, 49749]. - The companies involved in the incidents were aware of potential security vulnerabilities but failed to address them adequately, leading to the exposure of sensitive user information [90966, 49567, 36248, 49749]. - In some cases, the companies did not respond promptly to reports of security vulnerabilities, indicating a lack of proactive decision-making in addressing potential risks [49749]. - The incidents also highlighted a lack of proper security protocols and measures in place to protect user data, indicating poor decision-making in prioritizing cybersecurity [90966, 49567, 36248, 49749]. (b) accidental_decisions: - The software failure incidents were not primarily caused by accidental decisions or unintended mistakes. Instead, they were a result of deliberate actions or oversights that led to the exposure of sensitive user data [90966, 49567, 36248, 49749]. - The incidents involved deliberate hacking attempts, exploitation of known vulnerabilities, and intentional actions by malicious actors to steal user information, rather than accidental errors or unintended decisions [90966, 49567, 36248, 49749]. - The companies affected by the incidents were targeted by hackers who actively sought to exploit weaknesses in the software systems, indicating a deliberate and calculated approach rather than accidental decisions leading to the failures [90966, 49567, 36248, 49749]. |
| Capability (Incompetence/Accidental) | development_incompetence, accidental | (a) The software failure incidents reported in the articles are related to development incompetence. In the incidents involving Adult Friend Finder and Friend Finder Networks, hackers were able to exploit vulnerabilities in the infrastructure of the sites, leading to the exposure of millions of user accounts and sensitive information [90966, 49751, 49567, 36248, 48822, 49749]. These vulnerabilities were likely due to inadequate security measures or flaws in the software development process, indicating a lack of professional competence in ensuring the security of the systems. (b) Additionally, the incidents can also be categorized as accidental failures as the breaches were not intentional actions by the companies but rather the result of hackers exploiting vulnerabilities in the systems [90966, 49751, 49567, 36248, 48822, 49749]. The accidental exposure of user data and security breaches highlight the importance of robust security measures and thorough testing to prevent such incidents. |
| Duration | temporary | (a) The software failure incident in the articles appears to be temporary. The incidents involve hacks and breaches that resulted in the theft of user data from various adult dating and hookup websites. These breaches were due to vulnerabilities in the websites' infrastructure that allowed hackers to access and steal sensitive information. The incidents were not permanent failures but rather temporary breaches that exposed user data [90966, 49751, 49567, 115263, 36248, 48822, 49749]. |
| Behaviour | crash, omission, value, other | (a) crash: - Article 90966 reports a software failure incident where the system lost state and did not perform its intended functions due to a hack attack on the site Hookers.nl, resulting in the theft of account details of over 250,000 people [90966]. (b) omission: - Article 36248 mentions a software failure incident where cyber criminals hacked the web services of AdultFriendFinder, leading to the omission of performing intended functions as sensitive personal data of users was intercepted [36248]. (c) timing: - No specific instances of timing-related software failures were mentioned in the provided articles. (d) value: - Article 49749 describes a software failure incident where the system performed its intended functions incorrectly due to a hack on the FriendFinder network, exposing more than 412 million accounts from adult hookup and webcam sites [49749]. (e) byzantine: - No instances of byzantine-related software failures were mentioned in the provided articles. (f) other: - The software failure incidents reported in the articles can also be categorized as a failure due to a hack, which is a form of software failure where unauthorized access leads to data breaches and compromises [90966, 49751, 49567, 115263, 36248, 48822, 49749]. |
| Layer | Option | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Perception | None | None |
| Communication | None | None |
| Application | None | None |
| Category | Option | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Consequence | property, theoretical_consequence | (d) property: People's material goods, money, or data was impacted due to the software failure The software failure incidents described in the articles led to the theft of sensitive personal data, including email addresses, user names, encrypted passwords, and other account details of users from various adult hookup and webcam sites such as Adult FriendFinder, Penthouse, Stripshow, and iCams [90966, 49751, 49567, 36248, 48822, 49749]. This data breach exposed millions of user accounts, potentially putting individuals at risk of identity theft, blackmail, and other cyber fraud activities. Additionally, the stolen data included information like passwords stored in insecure formats, making them easier targets for cybercriminals [49567]. |
| Domain | information, finance | (a) The failed system was related to the industry of information as it involved online platforms used by sex workers and their clients, where account details of users were stolen in a hack attack [90966]. (h) The incident also had implications for the finance industry as cyber-criminals could potentially blackmail users after stealing data from the online platform used by sex workers and clients [90966]. (m) The incident was not directly related to any other industry not covered in the options provided. |
Article ID: 90966
Article ID: 49751
Article ID: 49567
Article ID: 115263
Article ID: 36248
Article ID: 48822
Article ID: 49749