The Twitter source code leaked online, potentially exposing vulnerabilities and raising concerns about the security of the platform, according to a legal document filed with the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of California,.
The New York Times first reported the news that the code, which is crucial software responsible for operating the social media platform, was uploaded to GitHub – a web-based hosting service for software development.
Following the discovery on Friday, Twitter issued a copyright infringement notice to GitHub, ordering the removal of the code with immediate effect.
GitHub has since taken down the source code, as requested by Twitter. However, the New York Times has raised concerns that the code could have been available on the site for a period of “at least several months” prior to its removal.
In response, Twitter is seeking a court order to compel GitHub to disclose the identity of the individual who leaked the code, as well as the names of any users who may have downloaded it. The worry is that the leaked code could expose vulnerabilities in the platform, making it easier for hackers to exploit these weaknesses for malicious purposes.
This could result in the platform being taken offline or user data being stolen and sold to third parties.
Who’s to blame for the Twitter source code leak incident?
According to sources familiar with the matter, the New York Times reports that Twitter executives suspect the person responsible for leaking the code likely left the company as part of a wave of layoffs conducted by the new owner, Elon Musk, who acquired Twitter in a $44 billion deal in October 2022.
Given the significant changes that have taken place at Twitter in recent times, the incident raises the possibility that a disgruntled ex-employee may have been involved in the breach, which could have serious consequences.
Source code is a valuable asset that companies strive to protect, but it remains a popular target for cyber criminals.
In recent years, we’ve seen incidents where hackers have successfully stolen source code from major firms such as Microsoft, Samsung, and LastPass. However, in Twitter’s case, the code was easily accessible after being uploaded to the web, leaving it vulnerable to exploitation by anyone.
This development has raised concerns for Twitter and its more than 230 million daily active users worldwide, as they await any potential fallout from the incident.
The recent Twitter source code leak raises serious concerns about the security and integrity of the platform. As one of the world’s largest social media sites, any vulnerabilities could have far-reaching and devastating consequences for millions of users.
The fact that the code was uploaded to the internet and easily accessible is particularly alarming, highlighting the need for companies to take a more proactive approach to cybersecurity. While Twitter has taken steps to address the issue, the incident underscores the persistent threat that source code leaks pose for businesses and organizations of all sizes.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it’s essential for companies to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their most valuable assets.
