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Posted by Jeremy Kirk on May 22, 2006, 12:04 pm
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IM Worm Installs Bogus Browser
Jeremy Kirk, IDG News Service
Malware writers have created a new worm that installs a new browser
and plays screeching music.
The annoyance starts with a link apparently sent by a friend in
Yahoo's instant messaging program.
Instant messaging security company FaceTime Communications described
the malware, which it calls "yhoo32.explr", as "insidious" in a
security advisory.
When the link is clicked, a worm installs the so-called "Safety
Browser," a program that leads the user to pages mined with adware and
viruses, FaceTime said. The Safety Browser uses an Internet Explorer
logo to make it look more legitimate.
New Type of Attack
Malware spread through instant messaging programs is on the
rise. However, FaceTime said this malware appeared to be the first to
install a browser without the user's permission.
The bug also hijacks Internet Explorer's home page, directing users to
the Safety Browser's Web site.
After it is launched, the worm sends itself to others on the user's
instant messaging contact list.
The malware is engineered to overwrite instant messages typed by a
user, FaceTime said. The infected message can also be changed
on-the-fly, the company said.
The screeching music, however, is blocked by Microsoft's Windows XP
Service Pack 2, FaceTime said.
FaceTime has posted screenshots of the infection process on its blog.
Copyright 2006 PC World Communications, Inc.
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