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arXiv · 1108.2704

Attacks on Local Searching Tools

Seth James Nielson·Seth J. Fogarty·Dan S. Wallach
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Abstract

The Google Desktop Search is an indexing tool, currently in beta testing, designed to allow users fast, intuitive, searching for local files. The principle interface is provided through a local web server which supports an interface similar to Google.com's normal web page. Indexing of local files occurs when the system is idle, and understands a number of common file types. A optional feature is that Google Desktop can integrate a short summary of a local search results with Google.com web searches. This summary includes 30-40 character snippets of local files. We have uncovered a vulnerability that would release private local data to an unauthorized remote entity. Using two different attacks, we expose the small snippets of private local data to a remote third party.

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Seth James Nielson, Seth J. Fogarty, Dan S. Wallach. 2011-08-12. Attacks on Local Searching Tools. https://arxiv.org/abs/1108.2704

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