This paper describes an attack concept termed Drive-by Pharming where an attacker sets up a web page that, when simply viewed
by the victim (on a JavaScript-enabled browser), attempts to change the DNS server settings on the victim’s home broadband
router. As a result, future DNS queries are resolved by a DNS server of the attacker’s choice. The attacker can direct the
victim’s Internet traffic and point the victim to the attacker’s own web sites regardless of what domain the victim thinks
he is actually going to, potentially leading to the compromise of the victim’s credentials. The same attack methodology can
be used to make other changes to the router, like replacing its firmware. Routers could then host malicious web pages or engage
in click fraud. Since the attack is mounted through viewing a web page, it does not require the attacker to have any physical
proximity to the victim nor does it require the explicit download of traditional malicious software. The attack works under
the reasonable assumption that the victim has not changed the default management password on their broadband router.