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Beware of Gator bug

Stefanie Olsen, CNET News.com IT Week

Published: 25 Feb 2002 11:38 GMT

Gator, a popular application that fills in Web site passwords and forms, contains a security flaw that puts users' computer files at risk, security experts said. According to a security warning issued this week from Eyeonsecurity.com, the ActiveX plug-in used to download Gator can be manipulated by a malicious programmer to install back-door software, including a Trojan horse virus.

The company said it became aware of the security vulnerability on Friday morning and has issued a patch on its Web site.

Gator, which has been downloaded by more than 10 million people, runs in the backdrop of a Web browser and is often bundled with popular file-sharing programs such as AudioGalaxy. The free software is supported by advertising revenue from its own bundled program, OfferCompanion, which delivers promotions to browsers as consumers surf the Web.

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