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

Spamta.YZ is a rootkit. These are programs used to hide files, Windows Registry entries or processes, either their own or those of other programs.

In this way, even when a user looks for these items on a computer, they won't be able to see them.

Rootkits have been widely used for malicious ends, to camouflage other programs on computers that have previously been compromised through other means.

There are certain examples of malware that use rootkits in order to go unnoticed on the computer they have infected.

It affects productivity, preventing tasks from being carried out:

• In the affected computer: causes system slowdowns.

• In the local network: it generates a large amount of network activity and consumes bandwidth.

• On remote sites: it mass mails junk mail (spam).

It uses stealth techniques to avoid being detected by the user:

• It uses techniques included in its code to hide itself while it is active.

Spamta.YZ 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.
• Email: sending emails that include a copy of itself as an attachment. The computer is infected when the attachment is run.