Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Facebook Redirects to Myspace

My wife just came across this interesting issue.

When she goes to http://www.facebook.com/ it redirects to a Myspace.com user's Samuel Garcia (SR388) profile.

Quickest resolution
For Vista and above:
is to go to your start menu -> All Programs -> Accessories. Right click on Command Prompt and click "Run as Administrator". Approve the escalation.

Copy and past the following command


ipconfig /flushdns


You should get...

Windows IP Configuration

Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.

Next clear your browsers cookie and cache... and maybe restart your browser for kicks.

I hope that helps.

FYI: I'm trying to track down why this is happening. I believe it has to do with a recently discovered DNS exploit. I'll continue to look into it.

In the mean time, if you could please reply to this post with your Internet provider and general location, city/state I would be much obliged so I can attempt to develop a pattern.

Thanks!
Mike

72 comments:

D.C. said...

Hi Mike, I have the same issue as well and it started randomly yesterday; happened once today. Virus/anti-malware scans by two apps came back clean. It happens intermittently with both IE8 (Windows 7) and FF (3.5.5).

I should test it on my Linux (Fedora 12) box too for kicks.

I'm in central Massachusetts (USA), internet provider is Charter Communications.

Unknown said...

This happened to me as well. Running Windows 7 Professional 64 bit (build 7600, version 6.1) and Firefox 3.3.5.

Not sure what caused it, but flushing the dns cache resolved the problem for me. I ran Spybot S&D and Ad-Aware with no positive results.

viva162 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
viva162 said...

Happened here in Troy, NY. Same Myspace profile too which is really strange..

Restarting the computer seems to fix it, but it has happened about half a dozen times in the past few months.

**Edit: forgot to mention I use Roadrunner.

mmmegan said...

running Vista, Firefox 3.5.5, from Cincinnati, OH on Zoomtown.

uugh!

a week or so ago it was sending me to this: http://s110.photobucket.com/albums/n105/mmcarl/facebookss.jpg

I never click on those "hay, look at what my friend posted" links, nor do I have ANY facebook apps/programs installed outside of the "grafitti" one.

weird.

Anonymous said...

I believe that i could have something to do with the Myspace toolbar as well. Why do i think this? I had it installed and when i went to facebook.com it showed the "http://api.balhblah...." and that normally shows when you click a button on the myspace toolbar. I think that might be the issue. I haven't tried your quick fix but if it happens again i will give it a shot. Kudos!

imerson said...

I've also had problems with this. Facebook.com redirects to the Myspace profile you mentioned, and sometimes redirects to a different profile (someone named Mike Moffitt).

My computer was doing this way more a couple weeks ago... MANY sites redirected to others. Twitter redirected to some AOL Blogs site. Not only that, but at some periods of time, numerous websites brought up an unusual error. It was either Invalid URL or Invalid Request. That doesn't seem to be happening as much anymore, but I still see that the frames where ads would load (in sites like Facebook and others) show that error.

I reformatted my computer and installed Windows 7, but the problem still exists. It's not as bad as it was, but I have a feeling that has nothing to do with me reformatting my computer.

I live in Northwest Florida and Cox is my internet provider. There are 3 people on my home network: my 64-bit Windows 7, a Windows Vista, and a Mac OSX. My Win7 and the OSX are the only ones having this problem.

At the time, I was convinced it was a virus that couldn't be detected

mtpmedia said...

I am Kitsap County, Washington and use Wave Broadband. Today I had the same issue with every computer on my network, all computers were able to access facebook.com and then literally minutes later we were all being redirected to MySpace.com Your DNS flush worked! Not sure why this is happening. Glad I didn't go as far as reformatting! I even did a dns renew with my cable modem and that did not help at all.

The Tensor said...

Seattle, WA, 64-bit Window 7, same symptom: try to visit facebook.com, redirected to myspace.com. Sometimes it's not MySpace -- I've also been redirected to some vanilla page at Wiki[something]. When it happens, it happens in multiple browsers (I encounter it in Firefox, then check in Chrome, which I keep open for Gmail). Spyware and virus scans come up clean. ipconfig /flushdns fixes the problem. I tried changing my router's DNS server at OpenDNS's servers from the default servers assigned by Comcast/DHCP, but the problem just occurred again.

imerson said...

I figured out what the problem is, at least with my router (a Linksys WRT160N). My browsing seems to be normal now, but I'll post again if something happens. Here's the issue:

The router references itself as the primary DNS server, to act as sort of a DNS proxy. The problem is, this specific router has some issues. I guess there is a vulnerability that allows this to happen.

The solution is to go in the router's settings and removing the router's IP address from the DNS, instead replacing it with your internet company's DNS settings, or OpenDNS.

Here is the discussion, and the post with the solution: http://forums.linksysbycisco.com/linksys/board/message?board.id=Wireless_Routers&view=by_date_ascending&message.id=154543#M154543

To The Tensor: when you changed your DNS settings, did you leave in the proxy DNS address (192.168.1.1, or whatever your router's IP address is)?

Lenny Neslin said...

time warner, NYC

Josh said...

EPB FiberOptics, Windows 7 Ultimate, Chattanooga TN, happens with all 3 - FF, IE, and Chrome.

Anonymous said...

Happening to me too now. More important to your investigation though is this:

1) I don't have a Myspace account nor do I have any reason to ever visit Myspace.

2) This is happening on a brand new Windows 7 HP computer on Brighthouse's Roadrunner in Central Florida.

3) I live by myself, so there's absolutely no chance anyone has ever touched this computer but me.

4) As can be assumed from #1 and #3, unquestionably no one has ever visited any Myspace page before on this machine... ever.

5) The only page I had up was Facebook.com on Firefox 3.5.6 (and no other browser was running). After hanging up a phone call, I refreshed the page and was redirected to Samuel Garcia's page. Thus, the issue happened over time while sitting idly on my facebook.com/home.php screen. (It's worth noting that I do recall getting Facebook-IM'd while I was on the phone, as I heard the familiar "pop" sound effect... but never got to see who sent it.)

6) Now, in Internet Explorer (which hasn't been loaded a single time since the birth of this machine), facebook.com still redirects to myspace.com. This problem is also present in Opera as well (so clearly it's a local DNS issue, not a browser-exclusive one).

7) None of my other computers on this network are experiencing this issue, so it's also definitely not a router issue either.

Hope this helps narrow it down by process of elimination at least!

Good luck!

Anonymous said...

Mass, Vista, linksys N router or something

Anonymous said...

Mass, Linksys router-N, vista

Unknown said...

Mike,

First, thanks, your fix worked. I'm in central California. It was redirecting to Mike Moffit, whoever he is. Tmobile is the provider here.

D.C. said...

The post from the user who offered the solution for Linksys router owners worked. You need to manually assigned the DNS servers in Windows and not have them auto assigned if using a Linksys router (unknown if other router brands are affected).

I would also suggest if using that method to also use Mike's suggestion of flushing the DNS cache too for good measure. That way you start with a clean slate.

The DNS issue with Linksys routers and how to resolve it, can be found here:

http://forums.linksysbycisco.com/linksys/board/message?board.id=Wireless_Routers&view=by_date_ascending&message.id=154543#M154543

Robin Love said...

This happened to me today too, I have a mac with OSX and live in Boston, MA.

Anonymous said...

this just happened to me today.. i have vista, using a safari browser, comcast is my provider and i live in philadelphia pa

Missy said...

This happens to me almost daily, and it also happened when I was accessing a page on People.com. It started loading the page, then suddenly redirected to a myspace page that said it couldn't load the page (404 error). I was using Google Chrome, but the same thing happened when I tried using Firefox and IE. I am in Portland OR and Comcast is my ISP.

Unknown said...

Thanks so much! It work

.. said...

no idea where this came from, it started about 5 minutes ago out of nowhere (a hover ad possibly?) but the dns flush worked.

I am running Win 7 home using FF 3.5.8 (IE also was affected) with CSS block and Ad-aware. I use a wireless, shared internet connection with my apartment complex so have no idea what my router is.

Unknown said...

WIN7, Google Chrome, Central Texas, Time Warner Cable


DNS flush worked though

Unknown said...

Running Windows 7,it's happening to our desktop and our brand new laptop, we have a linksys router,internet provider is comcast - Danville, IL

The Shadow said...

I just had this happen today - same Myspace profile. I'm running Windows XP and Chrome.

LEFTZ said...

been happening for a few weeks and driving me nuts..

happens on all 3 browsers Ive tried to use: Chrome, IE, Firefox

win vista
eastern, PA
comcast

southernmother said...

Was happening to me back in January, but then stopped for awhile (I had not found the fix). Today...new issue. Was in FB, clicked on a friend's profile link and sent me to AOL Mail..."could not find the page you selected..." WHAT? Same old thing--don't use AOL, never have, etc. The MySpace has happened intermittently on both my desktops and my MacBook and our Vaio. Sometimes, FB works fine on one of the computers while one of them is redirecting. We live in northeast Florida, provider is Comcast, use Linksys Router. I'm going to try the solutions you mention--thanks.

avocado said...

Been having the same troubles...redirecting to someone's myspace page (now it's invalid url issues too) - Windows 7, Central Pennsylvania, Comcast cable - and it happens with Firefox, IE and Chrome.

ar-tamm said...

yup. intermittent. nuts.
sometimes facebook defaults to myspace homepage.
sometimes facebook and yelp won't load at all "404 not found".

Never had a Myspace acct and don't junk-up my facebook with apps.
Cleared cookies the other day. obviously that fix didn't stick.
Will look for the appropriate DNS flush protocol for Mac. thx!

Mac 10.5.8, Safari, DSL modem. ...yes we did get a new WRT160N-V3 router recently...hmmm...

Jerry-Boyle said...

Same issue, using Google Chrome and Windows 7 and reside in Canada, Nova Scotia. My ISP is eastlink. Brings me to the exact same myspace user(I assume he is the reason for this happening LOL)

Kwah said...

Brandon, FL using Firefox with Windows Vista...fixed it with your help, thanks!

Mr. Gill said...

I'm on Mac OS X version 10.5.8 and Google Chrome 5.0.342.9 beta, but the same thing happens in other browsers. I'm in Southern/Central Maine.

Addison said...

I see the same thing happen, it seems to come up when I am using a filesharing host like Limewire. I am on Cox Communications in San Diego.

Bradford and Aire Valley Dolls House Club said...

Hi Mike. In the UK on Virgin Broadband. I use a Linksys/Cisco 160 as well.

Redirected to Myspace for the first time tonight.

Used your 'ipconfig /flushdns'. It worked even without flushing cache or cookies!

Many thanks!

Mark Wolf said...

Hi Mike, Could you explain how to do this on a mac?
thanks so much!
mark

xpimphandx said...

Hello, i just had this problem happen to me today 5/5/2010. The /DNSflush command worked for me. I also ran a virus scan with AVast and spyware check, both came up clean.

Jeff said...

Hello Mike, this issue is happening in nyc under the time warner isp

Tresphunk said...

Just noticed this today,

Location: SK, Canada
ISP: Shaw Cable

Anonymous said...

Happened to me as well... Dearborn, Michigan, ISP is Comcast

Darcy said...

I am having this issue today, except it is not redirecting to any specific myspace page, just myspace.com.

I am getting very frustrated. I use Roadrunner, in Lancaster, CA.

Unknown said...

Hi Mike. My business is in Hamilton, NJ just outside Trenton. We are running Windows XP SP, using both Chrome and IE8. Our internet provider is Optimum Online DSL, which is Cablevision. It is currently 5:01pm on 05/19/10.

Tried clearing browser history, as well as flushdns, to no avail.

Unknown said...

Hi,
I've had this problem before, however only when I'm on my parent's network (Suddenlink in Eureka, CA). This has never happened on my Comcast network in Fresno. Both clicking on links and directly typing the url for facebook redirected me to what looked like the myspace homepage. The same thing happened in Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer and Opera (which I downloaded because of this problem). Flushing the dns cache seemed to fix it; at least facebook is currently open in my other tab. I did not clear the browser history or anything else. Thank you!

Unknown said...

Same issue, northeastern ohio.

ISP Time warner cable.

Hijack this, Malwarebytes and microsoft security center all come up clean.

All boxes affected, including ps3 web browser.

SweetLuvns06 said...

Hi Mike,
We've been having the same issue. I will be redirected to myspace from many sites (mainly facebook and cafemom, but also some random sites as well). I am in Cincinnati, OH. I have Zoomtown as my ISP.

LizEatsFood said...

I live in North Hills, CA and my internet provider is Verizon.

one thing that helped me was to clear out my cache and cookie, and change my browser setting to clear cache after closing link or something like that.

hope this helps =) thank you


ps it also happens to me when I try using Twitter and it started randomly on IMDB, so its not just Facebook sadely =( Again, thank you for looking into this!!

jak said...

Michael, I had this facebook redirecting to myspace problem (so did my gf) we both followed your instructions to the dot and it worked like magic :) Thank you so much!!

gone said...

yeah this is happening to me too just started today... do you know how i can fix it on a mac though?? thanks

Anonymous said...

Just happened to me today. Facebook directs me to this Micheal Garcia on MySpace. Even the main login page will redirect to myspace. I am still using Windows XP. Any fix?
The one I see listed is for Vista and above.

Jazzy said...

Hi, It happens to me off and on, I run on OSX, Comcast, Linksys router, Porltand, Oregon. Thanks!

Nele said...

Hi there, your little problem appears to be big enough to get to Belgium... that means something, no? Aargh.
Using firefox, internet provider is called Telenet in the land down under.

Shari England said...

Oh my goodness. Thank you so much for this post. I thought I was the only one!! This has been happening to me a lot. I'd post the incident on Facebook and none of my friends knew what I was talking about. Going to try your recommendations. Thanks again!

Shari England said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Shari England said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

thanks! this worked for me too

Unknown said...

Comcast in NE Seattle, WA

island girl said...

Using an I-Pod touch got redirected from facebook to myspace mobil while switching from my wall to my profile, now I can't get fb @ all. I'm using AT&T ISP, Linkys router, Safari Browser Detroit, Mi

Anonymous said...

Hi, I was redirected from myspace login to wikimedia!. I can tell the exploit is happening beyond my house, somewhere closer to the ISP.
I took a screenshot you can see Here

Sometimes i'll click on a link, and when the page loads, the url will match what I requested, but the page will be http://google.com!! Its very creepy!! Make it go away!

GermanSeabass said...

Happens all the time here. Stuck with Comcast in Santa Cruz, CA.

Unknown said...

Hey Mike, So far your cure worked and I can get into my facebook without getting the 404 page with my space on it...I don't know you you figured it out but you are good...thanks so much and God bless... I am in St. Pete. Florida and using bright house, road runner on windows 7 64 bit...I hope this thing stays ok... I did also empty cookies and cache to be safe... Thanks again... Dotty

Michael said...

thanks, seems to have worked for me!

In Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Unknown said...

Hey Mike!

I am using Win7, Firefox 3.5.5 and I am located in Grand Junction, CO. I am redirected to a no longer existing Myspace account.

Thanks!

patricia said...

I followed your instructions and it worked perfectly!! thank you soo much!!

i'm from edmonton, alberta, canada
using chrome, firefox, on vista
internet is ...well, honestly i don't know because it's my landlord's internet and it comes free with rent. :)

Anonymous said...

hi Mike I have the same issue and i had it sees 1/1/10 i live in I'm in central Massachusetts (USA), internet provider is Charter Communications.

Test said...

Fixed on WRT160N3 with the 3.03 firmware upgrade.

Test said...

Upgrade to 3.03 firmware.

http://homesupport.cisco.com/en-us/wireless/lbc/WRT160N/download

Unknown said...

Same issue, running Google Chrome on Windows 7, it's intermittent though.

On Comcast internet on a Linksys router.

Terra said...

Hey Mike, worked great, thank you! I'm in Ft Worth, TX.

Unknown said...

glad i'm not the only one. provider is verizon and i live in West Lafayette, Indiana. Only happens on one of my computers. running windows 7 and chrome. Happens on all browsers however. I get linked not to a specific user's profile, but to an error page thats on the myspace site.

wired said...

It has to do with DNS Cache poisoning. I find normally my router is what winds up poisoned. Simply power cycling it usually fixes the problem. Its an inherent flaw in the way DNS is handled.

China used a similar method to redirect all international traffic through their transit routes earlier this year. There is really no fix for it at the moment.

Free the Innocent said...

I had an issue with my new computer that has windows 7. It was blocking several different websites. I did what you suggested and it worked. THANK YOU

J Arnao said...

The invalid URL has been happening to me a lot.I have Windows 7 starter on my hp mini net, windows 7 Ultimate on my Vaio, and it happens on my HTC Incredible 2 and my friends boost mobile phone as well. I read another thread were a guy talked about it being my router but when i take the phones off wifi it does the same thing. And the only 2 sites ive seen it on........ well the only 2 sites i actually go on is facebook and craigslist. i have shentel now known as access media 3 for my internet provider and i live in lynchburg va.

DM said...

Mike, good stuff, thanks. I'm right outside of Boston, MA. Comcast is my IP, and I use Firefox on my Windows Vista Home Premium.