New Virus: Confirmed By Snopes.com

[acparmed]

I thought I should post this to warn everyone of this.

Folks...Pay attention Now!!!!







Subject: Virus Warning! Confirmed by Snopes.com




Warning = it's real & confirmed.

Emails with pictures of Osama Bin-Laden hanged are being sent and the moment that you open these emails your computer will crash and you will
not be able to fix it!!!

This e-mail is being distributed through countries around the globe, but mainly in the US and Israel.

Don't be inconsiderate; send this warning to whomever you know.

Confirmed at: http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/osama.asp

Origins: There are few headlines that would grab the attention of more
computer users around the world than "Osama bin Laden Captured," and
that's exactly what whoever created this lure was counting on to snare unsuspecting victims who use Microsoft platforms.

"Osama bin Laden Captured" isn't a virus in itself; it's the text of a message
that includes a link to a file called EXPLOIT.EXE. When a message recipient clicks on this link to view what he thinks are pictures of Osama bin Laden's
capture, he can end up downloading an executable Trojan known as Backdoor- AZU, BKDR_LARSLP.A, Download.Trojan, TrojanProxy.Win32.Small.b,or Win32.Slarp. Clicking the embedded link in the "Osama bin Laden Captured" message auto-executes a file called "EXPLOIT.EXE," which exploits a known security hole to download the Trojan. According to McAfee Security:


The Trojan opens a random port on the victim's machine. It sends the Port
information to a webpage at IP address 66.139.77.145. The Trojan listens
on the open port for instructions and redirects traffic to other IP
addresses.
Spammers and hackers can take advantage of compromised systems by
using the infected computer as a middleman, allowing them to pass
information through it and remain anonymous..

Microsoft has made available updates that close the hole exploited by this
Trojan.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[QKShooter]

'cause you know that we would all want to see those pictures of Osama.

[P95Carry]

Thx Bob - but I'd add to anyone and everyone - do NOT open any suspect files - .exe is a very bad choice usually, plus also .scr, .pif, etc. Better to not see or read something than get hit!

[AZG23]

thanks for getting the word out.

[Tom357]

Thanks for the heads-up. This particular backdoor virus has been around since late 2003. If you use McAfee anti-virus, virus definition file 4296 or later, you should be protected from it. If you use the Norton anti-virus, it's been covered since January 2004. A lot of these viruses still show up circulate, so the warning is always welcome.

[Sheldon J]

if they know the Ip why don't they go close it down, one maverick should do it.

[Scott]

if they know the Ip why don't they go close it down, one maverick should do it.

Because it isn't the hacker's system. It's some poor guy who doesn't know much about computers who got hacked. They need that system to see if the hacker left behind enough info to find the actual hacker.

-Scott-

[Sheldon J]

Then how about a new law.... One that get very agressive about finding anyone that writes, and distrubites a virus, worm, all those who were infected get to break a finger on the ofender when they run out of fingers toes will do, and the ofender gets to have all the wireing to their house removed for a minimum of 1 year, i.e. no electricity, phone, and batteries would not be allowed either they llive just like the early 1900's. International boundries would not make them immune to punishment either.

[P95Carry]

Sheldon - as a basis for retribution you are on to something - I like it - but my inner evil self feels more should be added. Tarring and feathering might be a useful addition - and also perhaps a good solid primitive flogging in the town square.

I mean - to heck with ''civilization'' - let's go back to basics for once and set some punishments that actually might deter

After all this - then lock 'em up and ''lose'' the key. Phew - I am in mean mood today