Porn Sites Hit Hard by Sleazy Malicious Ads

No one ever said that running a porn site would be a slice of cheesecake; in fact, it's downright hard. Recently, a number of popular adult-entertainment portals have rubbed up against a troubling new trend: malvertising. This process of caching malware within ads doesn't even require users to click, and does a handy job of infecting users' PCs without alerting them. Some of the Web's most popular pornography venues have been penetrated by this mounting trend, but a good antimalware program can function as a prophylactic measure.

Jérôme Segura of the San Jose, California-based security firm Malwarebytes first reported on the issue on Unpacked, the official company blog. A piece of Flash-based malware has infected the AdXpansion network, and can exploit PCs in a variety of ways, but mostly through installing unwanted programs that compromise computer security. Sites that make use of AdXpansion include Drtuber, Nuvid, Hardsextube, Justporno, Alphaporno, and Eroprofile, among others.

MORE:  What Is Malvertising? How to Protect Yourself

Appropriately enough, the exploit comes via an ad for male enhancement pills. If a user sees the ad, it means that the Flash-based malware has likely attempted installation on a user's computer.

There is some good news: Most antimalware programs, including that from Malwarebytes, can stop this in its tracks, as it's not a sophisticated exploit. Furthermore, the exploit targets only outdated versions of Flash. As long as you have Adobe Flash Player 17.0.0.134 or newer installed, you need not worry about this particular intrusion compromising your, um, viewing experience.

Malwarebytes got in touch with AdXpansion about the ad in question, and the ad network has already pulled the offending malvertisement. This doesn't necessarily mean that every ad from AdXpansion is now safe, but the one Malwarebytes detected is now gone.

In the meantime, you can stay safe on porn sites the same way you stay safe during sex: by using protection. Get an antivirus program; even a free one will block simple hijack attempts like this one. Keep your plugins up-to-date and, as always, abstinence is the only 100-percent safe method of avoiding unforeseen consequences.

Marshall Honorof is a senior writer for Tom's Guide. Contact him at mhonorof@tomsguide.com. Follow him @marshallhonorof. Follow us @tomsguide, on Facebook and on Google+.

TOPICS
Marshall Honorof

Marshall Honorof is a senior editor for Tom's Guide, overseeing the site's coverage of gaming hardware and software. He comes from a science writing background, having studied paleomammalogy, biological anthropology, and the history of science and technology. After hours, you can find him practicing taekwondo or doing deep dives on classic sci-fi. 

Latest in Online Security
A magnifying glass on top of the Steam logo in a web browser
Valve just pulled a malicious game demo spreading info-stealing malware from Steam
MacBook Pro 2023
New Mac attack is tricking users into thinking their computer is locked — how to stay safe
Hacker using a stolen social security card
Your Social Security number is a literal gold mine for scammers and identity thieves — here’s how to keep it safe
An open lock depicting a data breach
Half a million teachers hit in major data breach with SSNs, financial data and more exposed — what to do now
Green skull on smartphone screen.
Malicious Android apps with 60 million installs bombarding phones with ads and phishing attacks — how to stay safe
Malware
Dangerous new password-stealing trojan automatically reinstalls itself on infected PCs
Latest in News
Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 rumored specs — here’s what we know so far
iPhone 17 Pro render
iPhone 17 Pro — 7 biggest rumored upgrades
CAD renderings of the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
Pixel 10 leak could be good news for all Android phones
A magnifying glass on top of the Steam logo in a web browser
Valve just pulled a malicious game demo spreading info-stealing malware from Steam
Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Scuderia Ferrari looks on during Sprint Qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of China at Shanghai International Circuit in Shanghai, China, on March 21, 2025. (Photo by Song Haiyuan/Paddocker/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
How to watch Chinese Grand Prix 2025 online – stream F1 without cable, qualifying highlights
NYTimes Connections
NYT Connections today hints and answers — Saturday, March 22 (#650)
  • Llorelie
    You just couldn't resist the sex puns. It's ok, we won't judge.
    Reply
  • damianrobertjones
    It's not as if any tech sites haven't been hit by such adverts! Hint hint: Toms guide.
    Reply
  • Astrix_au
    It's not as if any tech sites haven't been hit by such adverts! Hint hint: Toms guide.
    Then thank god for AdBlock because this malware could be anywhere.
    Reply