Disable Referrer Logging In XP

ntluser · 15-12-2004, 19:52

I've just tested my Internet Explorer 6 browser on PC Flank and am told that I need to disable referrer logging.

I'm using Windows XP Professional and have the free version of the ZoneAlarm firewall.

Can anyone tell me how to do that please?

Any info greatly appreciated. TIA.

Matth · 15-12-2004, 20:43

Zonealarm Free is unlikely to provide that kind of control.

http://proximodo.sourceforge.net
One of the filters or settings in Proximodo may do - if you remember Proxomitron, this is similar.

Yes, it definitely has this capability, though it may need some tweaking for sites that DO need referrers passed, or else they see you as hotlinking their content.

ntluser · 15-12-2004, 21:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matth

Zonealarm Free is unlikely to provide that kind of control.

http://proximodo.sourceforge.net
One of the filters or settings in Proximodo may do - if you remember Proxomitron, this is similar.

Yes, it definitely has this capability, though it may need some tweaking for sites that DO need referrers passed, or else they see you as hotlinking their content.

Thanks for that,Matth. Given that Microsoft are so concerned with security I'm somewhat surprised that IE6 does not have this option. I vaguely recall that either Outpost or the Kerio Firewall had that capability so I'll check that and Proximodo out. With all the stuff I collect I may have Proximitron somewhere.Was it freeware or shareware?

Richard M · 15-12-2004, 21:20

It's hardly a security issue, it's a feature of all browsers.

Millay · 15-12-2004, 23:20

im confused why you would want to disable this...

punky · 16-12-2004, 03:23

Well, combining cookies and the referrer, sites can build up a profile of you for spam, or to sell to other people.

Depends how bothered you are about who knowing what the previous site you visited was I am not bothered at all. I can always close the window and break the link. Then the referrer would always appear as my homepage (Yahoo).

Matth · 16-12-2004, 23:53

The only issue with referrers is TRACKING - if site B knows you came from site A, that information can be made use of.

In some cases, it's used for anti-leech - the images and other content on a site will not display if the referrer is not theirs.
It may be needed to allow clicktrough tracking - if you use a site that pays for clickthroughs, then referrer blocking is not a good idea.

It's a "privacy" issue, rather than really a security one, just like the abuse of cookies by many sites.

If you really want a fright, search for "Clipboard vulnerability" - I didn't find the page I was looking for, and I've probably turned off the option that would allow clipboard contents to be stolen.

Richard M · 17-12-2004, 00:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matth

If you really want a fright, search for "Clipboard vulnerability" - I didn't find the page I was looking for, and I've probably turned off the option that would allow clipboard contents to be stolen.

Sure, in IE...

ntluser · 17-12-2004, 07:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matth

The only issue with referrers is TRACKING - if site B knows you came from site A, that information can be made use of.

In some cases, it's used for anti-leech - the images and other content on a site will not display if the referrer is not theirs.
It may be needed to allow clicktrough tracking - if you use a site that pays for clickthroughs, then referrer blocking is not a good idea.

It's a "privacy" issue, rather than really a security one, just like the abuse of cookies by many sites.

If you really want a fright, search for "Clipboard vulnerability" - I didn't find the page I was looking for, and I've probably turned off the option that would allow clipboard contents to be stolen.

I found this link which explains about clipboard vulnerability and how to block it .. http://www.sysopt.com/ie5flaw.html