Browser Exploit

A Browser Exploit, known as "browser hijacking" or a "drive-by download", is a form of Malware that takes advantage of a vulnerability in operating systems or software with the intent to alter your browser settings without your knowledge.

Symptoms of Browser Exploits and Browser Hijacking
Usually Browser Exploits don't harm your data or spread themselves through email, though hijacks make your computer vulnerable to other attacks:


 * Your homepage, search page or favorites have been altered
 * Internet settings have been changed
 * Access is blocked to certain functions or websites
 * Redirection of incorrectly typed URL prefixes (i.e. you type the wrong address or extension and you get redirected to a porn site)

Protecting your computer from Browser Exploits
Some ways to protect your browser and computer from Browser Exploits are:


 * Use a firewall to protect your computer from incoming attacks and programs that try to transmit data from your computer
 * Keep your software and hardware updated
 * Never accept files from someone you don't know
 * Don't open email attachments from unknown or unexpected sources
 * Use caution when downloading files
 * Scan downloaded software before executing
 * Disable ActiveX, Java and JavaScript objects if possible
 * Consult WOT's website reputation scorecard for more information on unknown sites

Source
The source can be found here.