Cyber Worm Destructs Chinese Language Software

Internet security experts have issued an alert to computer users to be on guard for the most destructive cyber worm compromising Chinese language software, reported the Shanghai daily. They have therefore asked Internet users to upgrade their browsers as a bit of safety.

The Shanghai daily article said that the malware in discussion, dubbed as 'worm.whbot' assaults Chinese language Windows programs via infected websites. A typical indication of the infection is that the worm replaces the .exe files and converts their icons into pictures of pandas holding burning joss sticks.

Members of the Shanghai Information Technology Service Center have rated the virus a 'top level' threat because it poses danger to networks of government bureaus and companies. A certain security firm based in Beijing has estimated the infection in several million computers. Sophos, however, has received rarely any reports about the malware making wild moves.

Sophos had already detected the worm and called it Fujacks-I and Fujacks-J.

According to an advisory by Sophos, W32/Fujacks is a virus already pending with backdoor feature for the Windows. It infects other computer networks through the existing network shares and detachable storage devices. The W32/Fujacks runs constantly behind the scene facilitating a backdoor server, which lets a remote hacker to gain access and command over the PC. It also allows Internet access and communication with a distant server via HTTP.

Still security experts at Sophos believe that reports of the infection have greatly exaggerated the issue. Senior technology consultant for Sophos, Graham Cluley said that they received a few reports of PCs being attacked by this malware from Asia, but there were no news of massive outbreak especially within business users, unlike what other people discussed. Cluley told to SCMagazine, the nature of Fujacks infection doesn't result in a widespread contamination.

The virus prevents infected files from working normally and when the infected computer ought to be disinfected to bring it back to normal functionality. Thus the infection becomes obvious, Cluley noted. Fujacks also has the ability to creep through the LAN. Despite that it gets noticed while spreading, which is likely to lessen in the presence of any pandemic.

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» SPAMfighter News - 1/22/2007