Windows 7: Adware Distributed via Bing Sponsored Search Result for Firefox

Security researchers from GFI Sunbelt warn that users who searched for the open source Firefox browser on Bing recently, might have ended up on a website pushing adware.

Unlike the regular BHSEO campaigns, this malicious result which directed users to a rogue site called fire10fox.com, appeared at the top of search results because it was sponsored.



The site was well designed and attempted to trick users into downloading several adware components called Hotbar, ShipperReports, blinkx Beat and QueryExplorer.

The site advertised a new Firefox version, but when clicking the download button, visitors were taken to a secondary page, which claimed that a "Hotbar offer engine" was required to access the download.

"Download the Hotbar offer engine for access to premium content. Based on keywords from your browsing, the Hotbar offer engine will show you labeled advertising in a separate browser window or a temporary slider.

If selected, ShopperReports will provide you with companion shopping offers in a sidebar and QueryExplorer will provide address bar search," the page read.