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Virus Encyclopedia

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Mimail

 
Threat LevelModerate threatDamageHighDistributionNot widespread
Common name:Mimail
Technical name:W32/Mimail
Threat level:Low
Alias:WORM_MIMAIL.A, W32/Mimail@MM, W32.Mimail.A@mm
Type:Worm
Effects:  It does not have destructive effects. Its main aim is to spread and infect other computers
Affected platforms:

Windows XP/2000/NT/ME/98/95

First detected on:Aug. 1, 2003
Detection updated on:March 3, 2006
StatisticsNo
Yes, using TruPrevent Technologies
Repair utility:Panda QuickRemover

Brief Description 

    

Mimail is a worm without destructive effects that spreads via e-mail in a message with clearly defined characteristics. Mimail tricks the user into thinking that the message comes from the mail server administrator.

Mimail takes advantage of the following vulnerabilities:

  • Internet zone: Internet Explorer vulnerability. It allows a hacker to open an executable file already present in the affected computer.
  • MHTML: Outlook Express vulnerability. It allows hackers to send and run a file of their choice.

Visible Symptoms 

    

A clear indication that you have received Mimail is a message with the following characteristics:

  • Subject:
    Your account  xxxxxxx
    Where xxxxxxx is a random group of lower-case letters.
  • Attachments:
    MESSAGE.ZIP