Windows 2003/XP/2000/NT/ME/98/95

Gaobot.LNY is a worm that spreads by copying itself, without infecting other files.

It affects productivity, preventing tasks from being carried out:

• In the affected computer: it converts the computer into a platform for taking malicious action surreptitiously: spam sending, launch of Denial of Service attacks, malware distribution, etc.

It reduces the security level of the computer: it awaits remote-control orders received through IRC.

Gaobot.LNY 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.
• Via Internet, exploiting remote vulnerabilities: attacking random IP addresses, in which it tries to insert a copy of itself by exploiting one or more vulnerabilities.