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AUSCERT Security Bulletin
ASB-2012.0083
LinkedIn Member Passwords Compromised
7 June 2012
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AusCERT Security Bulletin Summary
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Product: LinkedIn
Operating System: Windows
UNIX variants (UNIX, Linux, OSX)
Mobile Device
Impact/Access: Access Privileged Data -- Existing Account
Resolution: Mitigation
Member content until: Saturday, July 7 2012
OVERVIEW
LinkedIn, a social networking site used by professionals, has
confirmed that some accounts it manages have been compromised.
6.5 million password hashes are alleged to have been stolen, with
approximately 60% of the hashes being cracked. The stolen passwords
are circulating in public.
IMPACT
The vendor has provided the following details about this incident:
"We are continuing to investigate this situation and here is what we are
pursuing as far as next steps for the compromised accounts:
* Members that have accounts associated with the compromised passwords
will notice that their LinkedIn account password is no longer valid.
* These members will also receive an email from LinkedIn with
instructions on how to reset their passwords. There will not be
any links in this email. Once you follow this step and request
password assistance, then you will receive an email from LinkedIn
with a password reset link.
* These affected members will receive a second email from our
Customer Support team providing a bit more context on this
situation and why they are being asked to change their
passwords." [1]
A stolen LinkedIn account will give access not only to personal,
contact, email and other details within LinkedIn itself, but where such
a service has been established, will also give access to a related
Twitter account. It may also give access to any accounts that
LinkedIn applications have access to. eg. WordPress, Box.net, GitHub
MITIGATION
Log into LinkedIn and change your password. The new password should be
unrelated to the previous one, and different from work related
passwords.
Refer to AusCERT password selection reference. [2]
REFERENCES
[1] An Update on LinkedIn Member Passwords Compromised
http://blog.linkedin.com/2012/06/06/linkedin-member-passwords-compromised/
[2] Choosing good passwords
http://www.auscert.org.au/render.html?it=2260
AusCERT has made every effort to ensure that the information contained
in this document is accurate. However, the decision to use the information
described is the responsibility of each user or organisation. The decision to
follow or act on information or advice contained in this security bulletin is
the responsibility of each user or organisation, and should be considered in
accordance with your organisation's site policies and procedures. AusCERT
takes no responsibility for consequences which may arise from following or
acting on information or advice contained in this security bulletin.
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Australian Computer Emergency Response Team
The University of Queensland
Brisbane
Qld 4072
Internet Email: auscert@auscert.org.au
Facsimile: (07) 3365 7031
Telephone: (07) 3365 4417 (International: +61 7 3365 4417)
AusCERT personnel answer during Queensland business hours
which are GMT+10:00 (AEST).
On call after hours for member emergencies only.
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