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

Gnome.F is a Trojan, which although seemingly inoffensive, can actually carry out attacks and intrusions.

It captures certain information entered or saved by the user, with the corresponding threat to privacy: user's browsing habits.

It reduces the security level of the computer: it terminates processes belonging to security tools, such as antivirus programs and firewalls, leaving the computer defenseless against attacks from other malware; it awaits remote-control orders received through IRC.

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

• It terminates processes corresponding to several security tools, such as antivirus programs and firewalls, to prevent detection.
• It injects itself in running processes.

Gnome.F 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.
• IRC: It sends a copy of itself to all users connected to the channel to which the infected user is connected.
• 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.