The end result of that could be that a malicious hacker could then strip the avatar of any Linden dollar holdings. By exploiting the flaw in QuickTime, the hackers can direct the Second Life software to a malicious Web site that then allows them to take over the Second Life avatar. In doing so, QuickTime directs the Second Life software to a Web site. When someone comes nearby and is within view of the object, the Second Life software activates QuickTime so it can play the video or picture.
The exploit works because Second Life allows users to embed videos or pictures on their characters or their virtual property, Takahashi said. The exploit relates to Apple's QuickTime software, which is used to display videos in Second Life.
Linden Dollars, named after Linden Labs which created the world, are directly convertible to real dollars.
A pair of security researchers have found a way to hack the Second Life virtual world and take unsuspecting e-citizens virtual money, according to one reporter's weblog.Īccording to Dean Takahashi of the San Jose Mercury News, hackers Charles Miller and Dino Dai Zovi explained that they have discovered a security-hole that could allow unscrupulous users to take other member's Linden dollars.
