Quote:
Originally posted by DelayedReaction
I sense a hoax; it sounds like you copied this from an e-mail you receieved. No offense if you didn't, but the style of writing is similar to most hoax e-mails that I've read.
Just don't use IE. Problem solved.
|
posted below is what appears on snopes today:
Virus name: Osama
bin Laden Captured
Status: Real.
Example: [Collected on the Internet, 2004]
Subject: Osama bin Laden Captured
Hey, Just got this from CNN, Osama Bin Laden has been captured! A video and some pictures have been released. Go to the link below for pictures, I will update the page with the video as soon as I can.
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.
Additional information: Backdoor-AZU
(McAfee Security)
Last updated: 27 April 2004