Overview

• 4chan resumed partial operations on April 27 after a two-week shutdown caused by a major cybersecurity breach.
• Hackers exploited a PDF upload vulnerability to access source code, databases, and user information, leading to what 4chan described as 'catastrophic' damage.
• The breach exposed personal data of moderators and users, prompting the site to replace its compromised server and disable certain features, including PDF uploads and the /f/ board.
• The platform attributed the breach to outdated infrastructure and a lack of funding, citing years of financial strain due to advertiser and payment provider boycotts.
• To rebuild and maintain operations, 4chan is enlisting volunteers, but concerns remain over its long-term viability without addressing systemic funding and security issues.