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UPC Hijacking HTTP requests for non-existing domains?

  • 15-10-2009 11:34am
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,809 ✭✭✭


    Not a big issue,

    I use firefox and sometimes just type the name of the site i want straight into the address bar rather then the full web address ie. Just boards instead of boards.ie. 9/10 this will bring me straight to a site, if not it would open google and search it.

    Recently its started to use search.upc.ie Is this a change by upc? something to do with thier dns maybe or is it a firefox setting somewhere?

    Not sure if this is really broadband related but one of them nice mods can move it if needed.

    stok.
    Tagged:


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,045 ✭✭✭Bluefrog


    Have UPC broadband myself and haven't seen them making any changes to the browser configurations - I would regard it as very cheeky of them if they did. Did you install any UPC related software - maybe something for dialup configuration?

    Anyway, to change it back type 'about:config' without the quotes, in your URL bar in Firefox and then type 'keyword' in the filter box. You will see a value for keyword URL which is probably now set to UPC - you can change that back to the default Google URL which is:

    http://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=navclient&gfns=1&q=


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,809 ✭✭✭Stokolan


    Thanks for that but no change there its still set to google :/


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,088 ✭✭✭fjon


    I've noticed the same thing myself. I'm using Safari, and have the exact same problem. It has only started in the last week or so, so I think it must be a change on NTL's side.


  • Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Help & Feedback Category Moderators Posts: 25,763 CMod ✭✭✭✭Spear


    There is the possibility of UPC hijacking failed DNS lookups and redirecting them to their search engine, a fairly dodgy practice that's been condemned everywhere else.

    http://slashdot.org/story/09/08/05/1926257/Comcast-the-Latest-ISP-To-Try-DNS-Hijacking


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 16,713 ✭✭✭✭jor el


    Spear wrote: »
    There is the possibility of UPC hijacking failed DNS lookups and redirecting them to their search engine, a fairly dodgy practice that's been condemned everywhere else.

    http://slashdot.org/story/09/08/05/1926257/Comcast-the-Latest-ISP-To-Try-DNS-Hijacking

    If no settings in the browser have changed, then this is really the only way it can be happening. I wouldn't have an issue with it, if the re-direct goes to a functioning search, and it all works. If, like in the case of Comcast in the link, the site is ad-laden, and possibly trying to get all sorts of spyware/adware installed, then I'd be very unhappy.

    If it's a problem, change your DNS to OpenDNS, then you won't have UPC (or any ISP) hijacking failed lookups.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,438 ✭✭✭DingDong


    Here's a bit about the new service. Link
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    When is the navigation service displayed?

    The software is only designed to display a search results page when a non-existent website address has been entered. The service does not interfere with anti-spam and anti-virus software or applications like e-mail.

    What do I do if this service is interfering with other software?

    If this service is interfering with other software on your computer that relies on receiving DNS-responses, please follow these instructions to turn the service off. At any point in time, you can turn the service back on by following these instructions. (Instructions are included below)

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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 203 ✭✭clacks


    Had the same problem. Pissed me off to be honest. See the Link on instructions on how remove it. Cheeky little buggers.:D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,809 ✭✭✭Stokolan


    Well at least they are letting people not use the service. As soon as I get home I'll be changing it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 62 ✭✭CaptSolo


    Has UPC started to practice DNS hijacking?

    A part of HTTP requests for domains that do not exist seem to be going to a (terribly designed) UPC landing page as can be seen in this CURL log: http://gist.github.com/211317

    They have a page telling about this new "service": http://service.upc.ie/service/?cid=123&aid=143

    The page says you have the option of turning the service off. But it means the hassle of changing DNS servers you use to one of two servers they indicate. Plus the instructions are in a PDF with screenshots showing how to change DNS address on Windows.

    At least they should have provided a one click link "Click this to opt out"...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,088 ✭✭✭fjon


    jor el wrote: »
    I wouldn't have an issue with it, if the re-direct goes to a functioning search, and it all works.

    The webpage itself is ok, but the problem is that it prevents the browser from completing the url for you. For example as Stokolan said, typing "boards" used to bring up boards.ie, now it brings up the search page.
    I tried to follow the instructions to disable it, but unfortunately the document they provided only shows how to disable it for a wired connection (on a Mac). I don't suppose anyone could tell me how to disable it for a wireless connection?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,464 ✭✭✭daveyjoe


    Yep, too many ISPs like doing this. Use a different DNS server or OpenDNS if it bothers you.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,710 ✭✭✭RoadKillTs


    Has UPC started to practice DNS hijacking?

    Prity common allright. Chang DNS as suggested.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,330 ✭✭✭Gran Hermano


    Noticed this during the week and was not impressed. Can they be that desperate for advertising revnue from sponsored links?
    The results served are a combination of sponsored links and ‘natural’ search results, based on the entered (non-existing) website address or what you were looking for –- just the same as if you used any search engine.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,809 ✭✭✭Stokolan


    fjon wrote: »
    I don't suppose anyone could tell me how to disable it for a wireless connection?

    It depends on your setup. I use my own router rather the the free upc one and had to go into it to change to the newer dns settings.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 62 ✭✭CaptSolo


    RoadKillTs wrote: »
    Prity common allright. Chang DNS as suggested.

    Making all inconvenienced users change their DNS setting is not something they should do. But, ok, that fixes the immediate problem.

    A larger problem is that they are violating the net neutrality (which is not protected by law, so legally they are probably free to do it) and interfering with normal functioning of the Web and DNS.

    If this becomes a common practice, they might think of another cool "service" such as injecting ads into the Web content that you are watching. Technically it is just one step further.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,664 ✭✭✭rogue-entity


    OpenDNS also hijacks your results in this manner, try using Level3's DNS servers instead.. 4.2.2.2, 4.2.2.3

    I've never even noticed this, I've been running my own DNS server since the BT days, as I got sick of BT's flakeyness and the Caching problems OpenDNS caused.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,809 ✭✭✭Stokolan


    Have a look here http://boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055711272

    UPC provide an alternet DNS to use to opt out of thir search function

    Actually just noticed the link to the option to turn it off in the first post.


  • Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Help & Feedback Category Moderators Posts: 25,763 CMod ✭✭✭✭Spear


    OpenDNS also hijacks your results in this manner, try using Level3's DNS servers instead.. 4.2.2.2, 4.2.2.3

    Those servers should not be relied upon, they're not maintained as full production servers, and are only maintained as a matter of courtesy for any legacy users of them.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 16,713 ✭✭✭✭jor el


    Threads merged


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 461 ✭✭Howitzer


    I noticed this hijacking. Not impressed UPC.
    I'll be looking at the link to get out of this one!
    It's annoyed me further as my net has been 500mbps and below this week!


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 93 ✭✭Yarnhall


    Noticed it once, not too bothered, the bit that gets me is I've not been notified of the opt-out part (which is to switch dns to different UPC servers), all the same, just looks like a redirect to an infospace search on the failed url.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,438 ✭✭✭DingDong


    Yarnhall wrote: »
    Noticed it once, not too bothered, the bit that gets me is I've not been notified of the opt-out part (which is to switch dns to different UPC servers), all the same, just looks like a redirect to an infospace search on the failed url.
    If you click the "about this page" on the search page it would give you all the info you need.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,659 ✭✭✭CrazyRabbit


    I've had problems connecting to application servers in work over a VPN Client for days. I just found out that this was the cause.

    UPC's DNS servers were hijacking the connection instead of letting my VPN client's specified DNS servers resolve the server names.

    My company's helpdesk confirms it has almost a dozen employees with the same problem. I've just given them the solution (they were soooo happy)....switch to the old 89.101.160.8 & 89.101.160.9 dns servers and everything is fine again.
    Really really annoying UPC. Yet another reason to drop them as a provider.

    Let them know what you think by sending an email to Online.sales@upc.ie.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,207 ✭✭✭hightower1


    I've had problems connecting to application servers in work over a VPN Client for days. I just found out that this was the cause.

    UPC's DNS servers were hijacking the connection instead of letting my VPN client's specified DNS servers resolve the server names.

    My company's helpdesk confirms it has almost a dozen employees with the same problem. I've just given them the solution (they were soooo happy)....switch to the old 89.101.160.8 & 89.101.160.9 dns servers and everything is fine again.
    Really really annoying UPC. Yet another reason to drop them as a provider.

    Let them know what you think by sending an email to Online.sales@upc.ie.


    Your companies helpdesk couldnt figure that out????? :eek::eek:
    Man, its a link on a page with full colour instrcutions lol!
    Time to get a new I.T. department.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 587 ✭✭✭Dum_Dum


    89.101.160.8 & 89.101.160.9 dns servers and everything is fine again.
    I'm finding these particular DNS servers fail intermittently leading to excessive timeouts.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5 QTour


    Hi there,

    I had the same problems with UPC and unlike some of the posters here I am really pissed at the cheek of UPC. This is something that they are doing in many of countries in which they provide services.

    I complained to them and got an email back over a week later from some semi-illiterate customer service employee.

    Anyway, Google have made a public facing DNS available. the IPs are:
    Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
    Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4

    At least I can opt in to this rather than having it done for me. This is only the beginning with what UPC are doing in regards to link provision and advertising.

    Another reason to change ISP.

    Rant over!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,659 ✭✭✭CrazyRabbit


    I sent an email to UPC customer care about this. Ignored.
    Sent another one. Ignored.

    Forwarded the mail to their Tech support email address. Ignored...no mail there has ever been answered. I'm sure it's unmonitored and has 6 million emails in the inbox by now.

    Tried filling in their online submission form.. It errored out.

    Sent an email to their sales email address. Got a reply (surprise surprise). They said they would forward the complaint to tech support (since when do tech support handle complaints about policy??)

    Tech support called. I explained the problem to them at which point the lady explained that she wasn't technical and would have to get someone technical to call me back. Non techies working in tech support...what next?...quadriplegics hired as mechanics?

    Tech support person #2 called. She had the technical ability of an 8 year old, which in this day and age isn't actually too bad. And so, she kinda understood what DNS hijacking was and that it was causing issues with 3rd party applications over VPN connections. She wanted to send an engineer out because every UPC policy begins with "Step 1. Send an engineer...they make the customer happy". After a 30 minute argument, I finally gave up on the 'This doesn't need an engineer' argument and politely declined futher tech support. I was however told the complaint would be forwarded 'to the right department'.

    And now...nothing. Not a peep back from them. Over 2 hours of my life wasted.

    I'm currently had about 80 calls with UPC helpdesk in the last 12-18 months, and have only once got satisfactory support.

    Considering I have setup commercial helpdesks for 3 customers, I can say with some authority that UPC customer service is bordering on insane or evil. I'm not sure which.

    (My landlord pays for my broadband, hence I can't change provider. And I do like the 20mb connection!)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,499 ✭✭✭✭Alun


    QTour wrote: »
    Anyway, Google have made a public facing DNS available. the IPs are:
    Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
    Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4

    At least I can opt in to this rather than having it done for me. This is only the beginning with what UPC are doing in regards to link provision and advertising.

    Another reason to change ISP.

    Rant over!
    .. and I'm sure Google are doing this for purely altruistic reasons as well (not) :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6 iolo


    I use a greasemonkey script to redirect it to google. It wont fix VPN problems or anything but it keeps firefox away from the page.

    http://iolopearse.com/?cat=23


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 195 ✭✭earlyapex


    Cool, thanks for that link to the change DNS page.
    I cant stand anything intruding on my pc use.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,659 ✭✭✭CrazyRabbit


    iolo wrote: »
    I use a greasemonkey script to redirect it to google. It wont fix VPN problems or anything but it keeps firefox away from the page.

    http://iolopearse.com/?cat=23

    Use the 89.101.160.8 & 89.101.160.9 UPC dns servers and you don't need to use greasemonkey as a workaround.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 969 ✭✭✭murrayp4


    UPC are at this crap again...this time with OpenDNS. :mad::mad:
    Had to go in and change my settings again. (did it a few months ago for the UPC Search 'tool')


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 218 ✭✭conkeroo


    Use the 89.101.160.8 & 89.101.160.9 UPC dns servers and you don't need to use greasemonkey as a workaround.
    Those dns servers don't seem to work now! I'll be sticking with GM for the meantime.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,659 ✭✭✭CrazyRabbit


    conkeroo wrote: »
    Those dns servers don't seem to work now! I'll be sticking with GM for the meantime.

    I'm using them right now...


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