Windows XP/2000/NT/ME/98/95/3.X

IRCBot.CSO 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 HTTP or FTP.

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.

It uses several methods in order to avoid detection by antivirus companies:

• It terminates its own execution if it detects that it is being executed in a virtual machine environment, such as VMWare or VirtualPC.

IRCBot.CSO 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 (shared resources): it creates copies of itself in shared network resources to which it has access.