XSS security glitch hits beta service too.
Google Base was flooded with porn marketing days after its launch despite claims spam postings would not be a problem for the search engine giant's online classified service.
Glitches in Google's SafeSearch feature meant the filter temporarily failed to block xxx listings earlier this week. Google said it has now resolved the issue, CNet
reports. With the filter turned off, Google Base remains
awash with pr0n, much like the wider internet.
Meanwhile security researchers have highlighted a security flaw also involving Google Base, leading to criticism that Google failed to carry out adequate testing before releasing it as a public beta earlier this month. Jim Ley discovered cross-site scripting holes in the service that create a means for hackers to steal cookies and thereby access users gmail accounts, as explained
here. Google has fixed the glitch but its decision to host Google Base on the same domain as gmail, along with its failure to respond to Ley's reports of a problem, have led to some rancor.
Google Base allows user to post information which can range from recipe tips or classified advertisements. Items listed on Google Base will also appear elsewhere on Google including via its web index and Froogle comparison shopping site.
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