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Autorun.INF

Threat LevelLow threat
DamageHigh
DistributionNot widespread
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
StatisticsNo

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.