Virus Encyclopedia
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MSNWorm.ER | |
Threat Level Damage Distribution |
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Common name: | MSNWorm.ER |
Technical name: | W32/MSNWorm.ER.worm |
Threat level: | Medium |
Type: | Worm |
Effects: |
It spreads and affects other computers.
It captures certain information entered or saved by the user, with the corresponding threat to privacy.
It generates a large amount of network traffic activity with the consequent consumption of bandwidth.
It carries out actions that decrease the security level of the computer.
It uses stealth techniques to avoid being detected by the user.
It spreads
, through instant messaging.
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Affected platforms:
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Windows 2003/XP/2000/NT/ME/98/95 |
First detected on: | June 21, 2008 |
Detection updated on: | June 21, 2008 |
Statistics | No |
Proactive protection: | Yes, using TruPrevent Technologies
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Brief Description | |
MSNWorm.ER is a worm that spreads by copying itself, without infecting other files. It captures certain information entered or saved by the user, with the corresponding threat to privacy:
passwords saved by certain Windows services; keystrokes, in order to obtain information for accessing online banking services, passwords and other confidential information; email addresses. It sends the gathered information to a remote user by any available means: email, FTP, etc. - In the local network:
it generates a large amount of network activity and consumes bandwidth.
It reduces the security level of the computer:
it notifies the attacker that the computer has been compromised and is ready to be used maliciously; it awaits remote-control orders received through
IRC; it changes system permissions, decreasing the security level. It uses stealth techniques to avoid being detected by the user: - It injects itself in running processes.
- It modifies system permissions in order to hide itself.
MSNWorm.ER 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.
- Instant messaging: it sends links pointing to a copy of itself to all users included in the infected user's contacts list.
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