Autorun.INF

Virus Encyclopedia

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Autorun.INF
Threat LevelDamageDistribution


Common name:	Autorun.INF
Technical name:	W32/Autorun.INF.worm
Threat level:	Medium
Type:	Worm
Effects:	It spreads and affects other computers. It spreads , via mapped drives, through shared network resources, by infecting files that are then distributed.
Affected platforms:	Windows 2003/XP/2000/NT/ME/98/95
First detected on:	Feb. 4, 2009
Detection updated on:	Sept. 21, 2009
Statistics	No

Brief Description

Autorun.INF is a worm that spreads by copying itself, without infecting other files.

Autorun.INF uses the following propagation or distribution methods:

Exploiting vulnerabilities with the intervention of the user: exploiting vulnerabilities in file formats or applications. To exploit them successfully it needs the intervention of the user: opening files, viewing malicious web pages, reading emails, etc.
Computer networks (mapped drives): it creates copies of itself in mapped drives.
Computer networks (shared resources): it creates copies of itself in shared network resources to which it has access.
File infection: it infects different types of files, which are then distributed through any of the usual means: floppy disks, email messages with attachments, Internet download, files transferred via FTP, IRC channels, P2P file sharing networks, etc.