PLATFORM:

Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003

 OVERALL RISK RATING:
 DAMAGE POTENTIAL:
 DISTRIBUTION POTENTIAL:
 REPORTED INFECTION:

  • Threat Type: File infector

  • Destructiveness: No

  • Encrypted:

  • In the wild: Yes

  OVERVIEW

File infectors are malware capable of infecting files to spread on other systems, removable devices, and the network. To do this routine, they seek out and copy their malicious code to certain files (.EXE, .DLL, .SYS, and .HTML among others).

Generally, there are four types of infection:

  • Prepending – the code is inserted at the beginning of the host file

  • Appending – the code is inserted at the end of the host file

  • Overwriting – the host file is entirely replaced by the malicious code

  • Cavity— the code is inserted to a blank or unused space

Most file infectors now do not use a single type of infection but a combination of these methods (for example, cavity-appending, cavity-prepending, etc). They are typically downloaded from malicious websites or dropped by other malware. Some file infectors also use exploits to propagate.

They are used by cybercriminals for a variety of payloads, including dropping and downloading other malware.

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine: 9.200

Trend customers:

    Keep your pattern and scan engine files updated. Trend Micro antivirus software can clean or remove most types of computer threats. Malware, though, such as Trojans, scripts, overwriting viruses and joke programs which are identified as uncleanable, should simply be deleted.

All Internet users:

    1. Use HouseCall - the Trend Micro online threat scanner to check for malware that may already be on your PC.
    2. Catch malware/grayware before they affect your PC or network. Secure your Web world with Trend Micro products that offer the best anti-threat and content security solutions for home users, corporate users, and ISPs. Go here for more information on Trend Micro products that fit your needs.


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