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Harry Waldron - My IT Forums Blog

Sharing Security Developments, and Best Practices for corporate and home users

June 2005 - Posts

  • phpBB 2.0.16 Fixes a Critical Security Issue

    http://isc.sans.org/diary.php?date=2005-06-29

    If you're using the popular phpBB bulletin board package, it's time to upgrade. Version 2.0.16, released earlier this week, fixes a critical security issue that can lead to the compromise of the vulnerable web server. The problem is with the viewtopic.php script, which, according to the FrSIRT advisory, fails to properly validate input when processing the "highlight" parameter. A similar vulnerability was being exploited by the Santy worm to deface web sites about half a year ago, as we reported in the December 21, 2004 diary. Please update your copy of phpBB to help prevent another such worm from gaining steam.

    For information about the phpBB 2.0.16 release, see the phpBB Group announcement. You can get the updated package from their downloads page.

  • MS05-017 Exploit has been published

    http://isc.sans.org/diary.php?date=2005-06-28

    The FrSIRT published new exploit for MS05-017 vulnerability. The MS05-017 is vulnerability in Message Queuing, the remote attacker can execute command from remote. It's time to patch and filter some unnecessary port.

  • Veritas Backup Software - Remote Control Exploit in-the-wild

      The Veritas Backup utility suites offer advanced functionality and some of security controls associated with remote control functionality have been compromised.  This includes a new in-the-wild exploit and administrators should review trusted Firewall port settings and move to the latest versions of the software as noted in the advisories below. 

    http://isc.sans.org/diary.php?date=2005-06-25

    QUOTE: We received some reports about spikes on port 10000. The main reason for that is the release of the exploit for Veritas, and used by the Metasploit Framework. ... It seems this exploit is crashing the service listening on port 10000. If sysadmins know they have backup exec installed and they scan the system they will see port 6101 and 10000 normally. After the exploit it will show only the port 6101 still listening."

    Veritas Security Bulletins

    Veritas Backup Exec/NetBackup Request Packet Denial Of Service Vulnerability
    Veritas Backup Exec Server Remote Registry Access Vulnerability
    Veritas Backup Exec Remote Agent Null Pointer Dereference Denial Of Service Vulnerability
    Veritas Backup Exec Remote Agent for Windows Servers Authentication Buffer Overflow Vulnerability
    Veritas Backup Exec Admin Plus Pack Option Remote Heap Overflow Vulnerability
    VERITAS Backup Exec Web Administration Console Remote Buffer Overflow Vulnerability

    FrSirt - Veritas Backup Exec Agent "CONNECT_CLIENT_AUTH" Request Exploit
    http://www.frsirt.com/exploits/20050625.backupexec_agent.pm.php

  • Microsoft Tech-Ed 2005 post conference resources

     I've attended two past Tech Ed conferences and they provide highly focused technical training opportunties.  Microsoft shares a number of post-conference links and publications as noted below: 

    http://microsoft.sitestream.com/teched2005/

  • Track Descriptions
  • Keynotes
  • Strategic Briefings
  • Breakout Sessions
  • Manuals for Hands on Labs & Instructor Led Labs
  • Continuing Your Education
  • MS05-030: Microsoft Outlook Express NNTP Buffer Overflow Exploit

    ISC Logo

    Hopefully, most companies and individuals are up-to-date on Microsoft security patches.  This new exploit has just been developed from the MS05-030 security bulletin published in June. It could be adapted for use in future computer viruses and worms. 

    MS05-030: Microsoft Outlook Express NNTP Buffer Overflow Exploit
    http://www.frsirt.com/exploits/20050624.MS05-030-NNTP.c.php

    MS05-030: Cumulative Security Update in Outlook Express (897715)
    http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/MS05-030.mspx

  • MS05-011 - Exploit Code to attack SMB vulnerabilities published

    ISC Logo

    Hopefully, most companies and individuals are up-to-date on Microsoft security patches.  This new exploit has just been developed from the MS05-011 security bulletin published in February. It could be adapted for use in future computer viruses and worms. 

    MS05-011 - Exploit Code to attack SMB vulnerabilities published
    http://isc.sans.org/diary.php?date=2005-06-23

    QUOTE: FrSIRT has published exploit code for the recent flaw in Microsoft Server Message Block (SMB). The advisory and patch related to this vulnerability were released on February 8th, 2005. If you still have not patched, you are further urged to do so in light of the release of exploit code.

    FfSIRT - Published exploit (be care as POC code is here)
    http://www.frsirt.com/exploits/20050623.mssmb_poc.c.php

  • Microsoft Technet - Security Planning Guides

  • Microsoft's Security Guidance Center

    Microsoft's Security Guidance Center

      Home Security Protection

    Get the information you need to protect your home PC. This site puts valuable tips, tools, and training at your fingertips.

    Learn about Computer Security At Home

      Security for IT Professionals

    Find the tools, training, and updates you need to assist with planning and managing a security strategy for your organization.

    Find answers in the TechNet Security Center

      Small Business Security Protection

    Access important resources for updating software, setting up a firewall, and backing up data in a small business environment.

    Visit the Small Business Security Guidance Center

      Designing and Developing Secure Applications

    Learn how to write more secure code with these developer-focused articles, tools, and security resources.

    Get Security Guidance for Developers

  • Multiple browsers are vulnerable to the Dialog Origin Spoofing Vulnerability

    Secunia - Stay Secure

    Secunia Research has discovered a vulnerability in various browsers, which can be exploited by malicious web sites to spoof dialog boxes. The problem is that JavaScript dialog boxes do not display or include their origin, which allows a new window to open e.g. a prompt dialog box, which appears to be from a trusted site.

    - Mozilla / Firefox / Camino Dialog Origin Spoofing Vulnerability
    - Microsoft Internet Explorer Dialog Origin Spoofing Vulnerability
    - Opera Dialog Origin Spoofing Vulnerability

    If you go to the test page, please make sure no critical applications are open and test cautiously:

    Secunia Browser - Dialog Origin Vulnerability Test

  • TechNet - Some free e-learning resources for SQL-Server 2005



    Click Here: Microsoft resources to prepare for SQL-Server 2005

    quote: Microsoft Learning Resources

    Whether you are interested in database administration, database development, or business intelligence, you will find classroom training, books, free skills assessments, and free* e-learning to help you get up to speed on the newest features of the software. The online assessments help you analyze your current skills, and provide you with a learning plan that recommends books, e-learning, classroom training, TechNet and MSDN resources. Our E-Learning courses are an effective way to learn on your own schedule and feature hands-on virtual labs that provide an in-depth, online training experience.
  • Opera 8.01 released to patch security issues

    Opera Software

    QUOTE: Opera Software today released the first Opera 8 update, Opera 8.01, for Windows and Linux. To fine-tune the well-received browser, Opera 8.01 includes security and small bug fixes as well as JavaScript improvements. This update succeeds the release of Opera 8 on April 19, 2005, which has now reached more than five million downloads.

    Accompanying the Opera 8.01 release for Windows and Linux is the final version of Opera 8 for Macintosh. Read the press release.

    To download Opera 8 visit http://www.opera.com/download/

    View the changelog.

  • 40,000,000 credit cards exposed - an update

    Sharing a quick update on latest discoveries. The primary cause of this exposure is improper storage and use of confidential information on their servers, followed by hackers discovering this due to weak security controls. Sad Sad Sad

    1. A new phishing attack has been launched to capitalize on this

    http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/06/20/mastercard_phishing/

    Quote:
    From: Master Bank [master@masterbank.com] To: Subject: **Your Mastercard online Confirmation** Dear User, During our regular update and verification of the accounts, we couldn't verify your current information. Either your information has changed or it is incomplete. If the account information is not updated to current information within 5 days then, your access will be restricted.


    2. According to reports, 68,000 MasterCard cardholders have already found fraudulent charges on their accounts.

    3. The head of a credit card processing company whose Tucson center was hit by computer hackers says compromised consumer records shouldn't even have been in the data base. Under rules established by Visa and MasterCard, processors aren't supposed to retain cardholder information after handling transactions.

    4. CardSystems Solutions C-E-O John Perry tells The New York Times the data was being stored for "research purposes" to determine why some transactions registered as unauthorized or uncompleted.

    5. He says that the records known to have been stolen covered roughly 200-thousand of the 40 (m) million compromised credit card accounts. They include Visa, Mastercard and other companies.
  • Beagle.BT - (aka Bagle worm) New Variant

    All new versions of the Bagle/Beagle worm are important to watch as they are technically advanced and disguised well to trick users into opening attachments (use of zip extension).

    Beagle.BT - (aka Bagle worm) New Variant
    Beagle.BT - new version of Bagle worm

    W32.Beagle.BT@mm is a mass-mailing worm that uses its own SMTP engine to send out copies of a Trojan.Tooso variant. The worm also opens a back door on the compromised computer on TCP port 80.

    EMAIL FORMAT

    From: Spoofed.
    Subject: Blank.
    Message: "The password is" or "Password:"
    Attachment: ZIP
    ... Multiple Zip files may contain copies of the virus, plus an executable copy of the Trojan.Tooso.

      

     

     

  • Spam Analysis - How to examine email header information

  • Credit Card Security Breach exposes up to 40 million accounts

        Please check your statements carefully during the next few billing cycles as hackers recently obtained key information related to Master Card accounts.  

    Google News Links

    CNet Article

    Business Week Article

    Information Week Article

    Reuters Article

    KEY IMPACTS

    *  As many as 40 million cards may have been exposed, making it the largest breach of personal financial data in a string of recent cases.

    *  The breach occurred at Card Systems Solutions, Inc., a third-party processor of payment card data who processes transactions on behalf of financial institutions and merchants.

    * CardSystems has already taken steps to improve the security of its system, MasterCard said it was giving the company "a limited amount of time" to demonstrate compliance with MasterCard security requirements.

  • Microsoft Security Updates - June 2005

      Microsoft Security Updates - June 2005 Bulletin Summary:

    http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/ms05-Jun.mspx

    Critical Bulletins:

    Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer (883939)
    http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/ms05-025.mspx

    Vulnerability in HTML Help Could Allow Remote Code Execution (896358)
    http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/ms05-026.mspx

    Vulnerability in Server Message Block Could Allow Remote Code Execution
    (896422)

    http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/ms05-027.mspx

    Important Bulletins:

    Vulnerability in Web Client Service Could Allow Remote Code Execution
    (896426)
    http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/ms05-028.mspx

    Vulnerability in Outlook Web Access for Exchange Server 5.5 Could Allow
    Cross-Site Scripting Attacks (895179)
    http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/ms05-029.mspx

    Cumulative Security Update in Outlook Express (897715)
    http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/ms05-018.mspx

    Cumulative Security Update in Outlook Express (897715)
    http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/ms05-030.mspx

    Vulnerability in Step-by-Step Interactive Training Could Allow Remote
    Code Execution (898458)
    http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/ms05-031.mspx

    Moderate Bulletins:

    Vulnerability in Microsoft Agent Could Allow Spoofing (890046)
    http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/ms05-032.mspx

    Vulnerability in Telnet Client Could Allow Information Disclosure
    (896428)

    http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/ms05-033.mspx

    Cumulative Security Update for ISA Server 2000 (899753)
    http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/ms05-034.mspx

    Re-Released Bulletins:

    SQL Server Installation Process May Leave Passwords on System (Q263968)
    http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/ms02-032.mspx

    ASP.NET Path Validation Vulnerability (887219)
    http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/ms05-004.mspx

    Vulnerability in Outlook Web Access for Exchange Server 5.5 Could Allow
    Cross-Site Scripting Attacks (895179)

    http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/ms05-029.mspx

  • IE 7 will provide better protection from Spyware

      IE 7 will provide better protection from Spyware threats 

    IE7 being developed to resist spyware
    http://msn.com.com/2100-1009_22-5745044.html

    IE Blog Information
    http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/2005/06/09/427410.aspx

  • Attack of the Mytob worms - Several new variants

      McAfee has highlighted 13 new variants during June (one for each day so far).  Mytob is one of the most advanced worms and virus writers can easily modify the source code to develop new variants AV vendors must adjust for.  This virus hides in a stealth like manner and appears as an email message from an administrator.

      Mytob may be worst virus of 2005

    The Mytob family is one of the worst of 2005 so far.  The Netsky variants continue to be reported as #1 in volume each month.  Netsky.P is like the Klez.H worm a few years ago.   However, the older Netsky variants are better blocked with current AV definitions. 

    Each day the virus writers can easily modify the Mytob source code, seed fresh copies, and create new versions that AV products cannot detect.  This requires AV vendors to scramble in providing protection for the latest code derivations and compression techniques.  Probably, since this family was introduced during March 2005, we are most likely averaging one new copy per day.

    Some key reasons are:

    * It is stealth-like and it can hide on an infected PCs while lowering security settings.
    * It is socially engineered well and appears as an official message from an email administrator (thankfully, most copies use same email format which can be blocked with proper rules) 
    * Some Mytob variants can exploits some unpatched Microsoft security vulnerabilities (MS04-011),
    * It usually carries a secondary payload (e.g., Spybot, Backdoor) which in an unpatched corporate network can spread rapidly 

      13 new versions in 13 days

    http://vil.nai.com/VIL/newly-discovered-viruses.asp

    W32/Mytob.cv@MM   06/13/2005 Low Low 4513
    W32/Mytob.ch@MM   06/11/2005 Low Low 4512
    W32/Mytob.cg@MM   06/11/2005 Low Low 4512
    W32/Mytob.cc@MM   06/08/2005 Low Low 4510
    W32/Mytob.ca@MM   06/08/2005 Low Low 4509
    W32/Mytob.bx@MM   06/07/2005 Low Low 4508
    W32/Mytob.gen!eml   06/07/2005 Low Low 4508
    W32/Mytob.bw@MM   06/06/2005 Low Low 4508
    W32/Mytob.bv@MM   06/06/2005 Low Low 4508
    W32/Mytob.br@MM   06/05/2005 Low Low 4507
    W32/Mytob.bo@MM   06/02/2005 Low Low 4506
    W32/Mytob.bl@MM   06/01/2005 Low Low 4505
    W32/Mytob.bk@MM   06/01/2005 Low Low 4504

      EMAIL messages to avoid

    The virus arrives in an email message from a systems administrator.  Always verify these types of messages from your email provider and never click on either links or attachments in an email message even if it looks official.  

    The general format of Mytob messages are as follows:

    From: (Spoofed email sender - may choose from the following list)
    support
    administrator
    mail
    service
    admin
    info
    register
    webmaster

    Subject: (Varies, such as)

    Your password has been updated
    Your password has been successfully updated
    You have successfully updated your password
    Your new account password is approved
    Your Account is Suspended
    *DETECTED* Online User Violation
    Your Account is Suspended For Security Reasons
    Warning Message: Your services near to be closed.
    Important Notification
    Members Support
    Security measures
    Email Account Suspension
    Notice of account limitation
     

  • MS00-037: Hackers use dangerous URLs with a Michael Jackson rumor

      This email has no attachment, but if you click on the link a trojan horse can be downloaded on your PC.  This downloader attack can open up your PC from a security perspective.  MS00-37, which is a five year old Help File security flaw is also used to attack any completely unpatched PCs.  While this new threat is not widespread, the media is reporting it on the news this morning.   

    ZDnet: Hackers use email URL create Jackson rumor

    Trend Micro - PHELP.P Trojan

    AVOID CLICKING ON THE URL IF YOU RECEIVE THIS EMAIL MESSAGE

    News from Neverland -- Last night, while in his Neverland Ranch, Michael Jackson has made a suicidal attempt.  They suggest this attempt follows the last claim was made against the king of pop. 46 years old Michael has left pre-suicid note which describes and interpretes some of his sins.

    Read http://mega{BLOCKED}buz.com more...

  • Microsoft Security Updates planned for June 14th

       On June 14, 2005, the Microsoft Security Response Center is planning to release:

    Security Updates

    7 Microsoft Security Bulletins affecting Microsoft Windows. The greatest aggregate, maximum severity rating for these security updates is Critical. Some of these updates will require a restart. 5 of these updates will be detectable using the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA), 2 of these updates will be detectable using the Enterprise Scanning Tool (EST).
     
    1 Microsoft Security Bulletin affecting Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Services for UNIX. The greatest aggregate, maximum severity rating for these security updates is Moderate. These updates may require a restart. These updates will be detectable using the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) and using the Enterprise Scanning Tool (EST).
     
    • 1 Microsoft Security Bulletin affecting Microsoft Exchange. The greatest aggregate, maximum severity rating for this security update is Important. This update will not require a restart. This update will be detectable using the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) and using the Enterprise Scanning Tool (EST).
     
    • 1 Microsoft Security Bulletin affecting Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server and Small Business Server. The greatest aggregate, maximum severity rating for these security updates is Moderate. These updates may require a restart. This update will be detectable using the Enterprise Scanning Tool (EST).
     

    Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool

    • Microsoft will release an updated version of the Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool on Windows Update, Microsoft Update, Windows Server Update Services and the Download Center.  Note that this tool will NOT be distributed using Software Update Services (SUS).

  • Skulls.L - Pretends to be pirated version of F-Secure's Mobile AV product

      This new variant of the Skulls mobile phone virus appears to be a free “pirated“ copy of F-Secure's Anti-virus product for Mobile phones.  Besides the legal and ethical considerations for using pirated copies of software, this new virus will lock the phone permanently until cleaning is accomplished by buying the real product.  This social engineering scheme illustrates the dangers of installing free software offered by email, instant messaging, or other sources.

    Links related to this new virus are noted below:

    Skulls.L - Pretends to be F-Secure's Mobile AV product

    F-Secure's Web Log Description

    Skulls.L is a variant of SymbOS/Skulls.C trojan. The component files of the trojan are almost identical to Skulls.C. The main difference between Skulls.L and Skulls.C is that Skulls.L pretends to be a pirate copied version of F-Secure Mobile Anti-Virus.

      REMOVAL Techniques

    Disinfection with two Series 60 phones

    Download F-Skulls tool from FTP site  or

    Download F-Skulls Tool directly with phone

    1. Install F-Skulls.sis into infected phones memory card with a clean phone
    2. Put the memory card with F-Skulls into infected phone
    3. Start up the infected phone, the application menu should work now
    4. Go to application manager and uninstall the SIS file in which you installed the Skulls.L
    5. Download and install F-Secure Mobile Anti-Virus to remove any Cabirs dropped by the Skulls.L or with mobile itself  http://mobile.f-secure.com
    6. Remove the F-Skulls with application manager as the phone is now cleaned

  • Secunia Advisory - Mozilla Frame Injection Vulnerability

      Secunia has issued a moderately critical advisory for Mozilla browsers including Firefox 1.04 for a Frame Injection Vulnerability.  This new vulnerability has not been exploited in-the-wild and can only occur while processing a trusted and hostile web site at the same time.  Firefox users should look for an upcoming release and always be careful of sites visited and email URL links.

    ZdNet Article: Mozilla Frame Injection Vulnerability

    A 7-year-old flaw that could let an attacker place malicious content on trusted Web sites has resurfaced in the most recent Firefox browser, Secunia has warned.  The flaw, which also affects some other Mozilla Foundation programs, lies in the way the software handles frames, which are a way of showing Web content in separate parts of the browser window.

    As a result, an attacker could insert content into a frame on a trusted Web site, Secunia said. Account holders who believe they are interacting with a frame belonging to an online bank could be tricked into giving up personal information or downloading malicious code, for example. Secunia rated the issue "moderately critical." The same "frame injection" vulnerability in Mozilla's browsers was detailed by Secunia in July of last year. At the time, it did not affect the most recent versions of the applications.

    For a spoofing attempt to work, a surfer would need to have both the attacker's Web site and a trusted Web site open in different windows. A click on a link on the malicious site would then display the attacker's content in a frame on the trusted Web site, Secunia said. The company advised people not to visit trusted and untrusted Web sites at the same time.

     

    Secunia Advisory - Mozilla Frame Injection Vulnerability

    Moderately Critical:  

    Description:  A seven year old vulnerability has been re-introduced in Mozilla and Firefox, which can be exploited by malicious people to spoof the contents of web sites. 

    Secunia Browser Frame Injection Vulnerability Test

    The vulnerability has been confirmed in Firefox 1.0.4 and Mozilla 1.7.8. Other versions may also be affected.

    Solution: Do not browse untrusted web sites while browsing trusted sites.

     

    Mozilla Support Forums Information

    The vulnerability has not been exploited, a moderator of a support forum on the Mozilla Web site wrote Monday, in response to the Secunia alert.  For protection, the moderator advises people to close all other windows and tabs before accessing a Web site such as a bank or online store that requires them to type in personal data.

  • MS04-007: RBOT variant - 1st worm to exploit ASN.1 via Internet

    Kaspersky's weblog entry of June 5th entitled "Robots,vile robots everywhere!" is a great read

    MS04-007: RBOT variant - 1st worm to exploit ASN.1 via Internet

    Investigation of the packets revealed a Microsoft ASN.1 exploit, which tries to download and run an executable from the attacking machine via TFTP. We've secured a binary and took a look under the cover. The responsible worm was a Rbot variant, ...

    Besides the ASN.1 exploit - and this is the first worm to use it successfully on the Internet - the Rbot variant uses a multitude of other exploits, DCOM, RPC,Veritas Backup Exec, LSASS, MSSQL, password guessing and so on. It also steals registration keys from a good list of popular games, PayPal accounts logins, has an embedded backdoor and of course, DDoS capabilities.

    Basically, it's a worm which tries very hard to spread while at the same time, it tries to steal as many valuable data from the victim machine as it is available. It is a highly infectious worm, written for profit. And yes, most of the other worms we're seeing nowadays are no different.

    Spybot.PKC - May be a close example of the new RBOT variant

  • Downloader.ABL (aka Small.AHE) - MEDIUM RISK (Osama virus)

      Trend/Secunia also declared MEDIUM RISK on Troj Small.AHE, which is different than Bobax.P, but centers on the same theme.

    For users, it's essential to AVOID attachments from ANY politically themed email, as that's often a common social engineering threat (like we saw with the German Sober.Q spam)

    Secunia Information

    http://secunia.com/virus_information/18540/

    http://secunia.com/virus_information/18574/

    This downloader trojan was mass-spammed on June 2, 2005. It may arrive in an email message as follows (messages vary):

    Subject:
    God Bless the USA!
    Finally!
    Captured..
    He has captured..

    Body:

    Xmong. Npos alter. almonsted nocks

    Turn on your TV. Osama Bin Laden has been captured. While CNN has no pictures at this point of time, the military channel (PPV) released some pictures. I managed to capture a couple of these pictures off my TV. Ive attached a slideshow containing all the pictures I managed to capture. I apologize for the low quality, its the best I could do at this point of time. Hopefully CNN will have pictures and a video soon. God bless the USA! Stephen Christensen

    Attachment:  pics.zip, teamster.zip, usurus.zip, toxicology.zip

  • Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition 1.06 available

      Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition 1.06 is an excellent adware and spyware removal tool that is free for personal use.  The following provide some key links from download.com:

    Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition 1.06 - Information

    Download Site - Version 1.06

      Download.com Review of Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition

    5

    One of the first applications built to find and remove adware and spyware, Ad-aware SE Personal Edition's excellent reputation is well justified. The sky-blue, skinnable interface features five buttons. The first two, Status and Scan, lead to the core function of the application. These buttons initiate a scan of your files for adware components. After scanning is complete, the program presents a summary of results, followed by a list from which you select exactly which components to remove. Right-clicking an individual entry gives some information about the piece of suspected adware, though we would like more details. Ad-aware SE can alert you to more malignant forms of malware by separating items into critical and negligible categories. The third button, Ad-watch, is nonfunctional in the Standard version. The fourth button, Plug-ins, shows you which Ad-aware plug-ins are installed. The fifth leads to the help files.

    Ad-aware SE does an excellent job of quickly finding and removing most adware and spyware components, although you will have to restart and rescan for a seriously infected machine. We were pleased to see an auto-update feature included with the program, keeping Ad-aware up-to-date with the latest adware components. Ad-aware SE should be part of your arsenal for keeping your machine free of adware and spyware components.

  • Spybot Search & Destroy version 1.4 available

      Spyware S&D is an excellent spyware removal tool that is free for personal use.  The following provide some key links from download.com:

    Spybot S&D 1.4 Overview

    Download Site Version 1.4

      Download.com Review of Spybot - Search & Destroy

    5

    The latest version of Spybot - Search & Destroy adds some truly useful features to an already excellent application. The program still checks your system against a comprehensive database of adware and other system invaders, but it works much faster now. It also features several interface improvements, including multiple skins for dressing up its appearance. Scan results now appear arranged by groups in a tree, and a sliding panel lets you instantly view information about a selected item to help you decide whether to kill it or not. The Immunize feature blocks a plethora of uninvited Web-borne flotsam before it reaches your computer. Other useful tools, including Secure Shredder, complement the program's basic functionality for completely destroying files. Hosts File blocks adware servers from your computer, and System Startup lets you review which apps load when you start your computer. The functionality makes Spybot - Search & Destroy a must-have for all Internet users, and this version is a worthwhile upgrade.

  • MS04-011: Bobax.P - MEDIUM RISK at Trend

      Trend has declared a MEDIUM RISK due to prevalance

    MS04-011: Bobax.P - MEDIUM RISK at Trend 

    MS04-011: Bobax.Z - Symantec version
     
    W32.Bobax.Z is a mass-mailing worm that lowers security settings and allows a compromised computer to be used as a covert proxy. The worm also sends an email to addresses gathered from the compromised computer.

    As of June 3, 2005 1:38 AM (PDT/GMT-7:00), TrendLabs has declared a MEDIUM risk alert in order to control the spread of WORM_BOBAX.P. TrendLabs has received several infection reports indicating that this worm is currently spreading in the United States, Singapore, Ireland, Japan, Peru, Australia and India.

    Message body: (any of the following)
    ------------------------------------------
    Attached some pics that i found
    Check this out :-)
    Hello,
    I was going through my album, and look what I found..
    Long time! Check this out!
    Osama Bin Laden Captured.
    Remember this?
    Saddam Hussein - Attempted Escape, Shot dead
    Secret!
    Testing

  • ISC publishes Scott's Toolkit for Windows

    SANS Logo  The Internet Storm Center shares one handlers toolkit recommendations. This toolkit looks like it will provide you with everything you will need to monitor, troubleshoot and maintain you network. Some us might have personal preferences on AV vendors or other items, but it's still a very nice list.

      ISC publishes Scott's Toolkit for Windows

    I've created what I call "Security Kits" on both CD-Rs and now the new FlashRAM memory sticks with a lot of these tools on there You never know which neighbor or relative is going to be next on the list to go help out


    Antivirus Tools
    |-- McAfee Stinger (updated routinely)
    |-- Symantec AV Corporate Edition v9 (soon to be v10)
    |-- Microsoft Malware Removal Tool (released monthly)
    |-- Current Symantec AV Intelligent Updater
    Response Kit
    |-- NetCat (available now at SecurityFocus)
    |-- SysInternals AccessEnum
    |-- SysInternals AutoRuns
    |-- SysInternals Contig
    |-- SysInternals DiskView
    |-- SysInternals FileMon
    |-- SysInternals ListDLLs
    |-- SysInternals Page Defrag
    |-- SysInternals ProcessExplorer
    |-- SysInternals PS Tools
    |-- SysInternals RegMon
    |-- SysInternals Rootkit Revealer
    |-- SysInternals Sdelete
    |-- SysInternals ShareEnum
    |-- SysInternals Sync
    |-- SysInternals TCPView
    |-- SysInternals Miscellaneous tools
    |-- Heysoft LADS
    |-- myNetWatchman SecCheck
    |-- Inetcat.org NBTScan
    |-- FoundStone BinText
    |-- FoundStone Forensic Toolkit
    |-- FoundStone Fport
    |-- FoundStone Galleta
    |-- FoundStone Pasco
    |-- FoundStone Rifuti
    |-- FoundStone Vision
    |-- FoundStone ShoWin
    |-- FoundStone SuperScan
    |-- WinDump
    |-- Nmap
    |-- Tigerteam.se SBD (encrypted netcat)
    |-- GNU based unxutils (from unixutils.sourceforge.net)
    |-- Good copies of windows binaries (netstat, cmd, ipconfig, nbtstat)
    Spyware Tools
    |-- AdAware (updated defs in same directory)
    |-- CWShredder
    |-- Hijack This
    |-- MS AntiSpyWare Beta
    |-- Spybot Search and Destroy (updated defs in same directory)
    |-- BHO Demon
    Security Tools (this is my usual place to dump the .zip or .exe installers)
    |-- Heysoft LADS (list alternate data streams)
    |-- Inetcat.org NBTScan
    |-- MS Baseline Security Analyzer
    |-- MS IIS Lockdown tool
    |-- Sam Spade
    |-- SSH Client (SSH.com or Putty)
    |-- SysInternals Tools
    |-- Foundstone Tools
    |-- BlackIce PC Protection
    |-- Kerio Personal Firewall
    |-- Zone Alarm Personal Firewall
    |-- WinPcap
    |-- WinDump
    |-- Ethereal Installer
    |-- Nmap for windows (cli version)
    Utilities
    |-- Adobe Acrobat Reader Installer
    |-- CPU-Z
    |-- FireFox Installer
    |-- Macromedia Flash and ShockWave Installers
    |-- Quicktime Standalone Installer
    |-- VNC Installer
    |-- Winzip Installer
    |-- ISCAlert
    Service Packs ( on a 2nd CD )
    |-- Windows XP SP2
    |-- Windows 2000 SP4 (+rpc/lsass critical patches or SRP when released)
    |-- Windows 2003 Server SP1

    (Some additional CDs I keep around for the Unix geek in me)
    Knoppix CD
    Helix CD

    Note: Any commercial software above that is not freeware/shareware in the list above should be replaced in your toolkit with your company or campus licensed software.
  • Mytob.BI - Poses as an IT Administrator

    The social engineering, advanced code, attack methods, and the ease in building new variants makes this family among the worst.  Users must keep their AV protection updated daily to keep up with new threats.

    Mytob.BI - Poses as an IT Administrator

    The Mytob.BI variant prevents the infected machine from accessing several antivirus and security Web sites by redirecting the connection to a local machine, the security company added. While prevalence of the worm is still low, the damage potential is high, Trend Micro said. U.K.-based antivirus company Sophos PLC also rated the worm as a concern, due to the severe damage it could cause.

    Researchers speculated that the Mytob worm family is popular with hackers because its code base is relatively easy to manipulate to create a new variant. Another version, Mytob.ar, was detected earlier this week, containing added spyware and adware elements.

    The worm poses as a message from an IT administrator, warning recipients that their e-mail accounts are about to be suspended, Trend Micro said. Possible subject headers for the worm include "*IMPORTANT* Please Validate Your Email Account" and "Notice: **Last Warning**."

  • Bagle.BO - MEDIUM RISK and spreading extensively

     Please select from links below:

    Bagle.BO F-Secure - MEDIUM RISK

    Trend Micro Information

    Sophos - Troj/BagleDl-Q

    Symantec - Tooso.I 

    Kaspersky - MEDIUM RISK

    McAfee - Bagle.dldr
     
    MESSAGE LABS - SPECIAL ALERT


     New Bagle Downloader spreading like wildfire via email

    31 May 2005 – MessageLabs is warning computer users to be on their guard against a new variant of the Bagle downloader. MessageLabs has intercepted almost 70,000 copies already. The first copy was intercepted today at 13:24 GMT (14:24 BST). 45,769 copies have been stopped in the last hour (3-4pm BST). The virus appears to have originated from a Yahoo group.

    The as yet unnamed Bagle downloader variant drops a trojan that attempts to download Bagle from a vast list of locations. Computer users who activate the file attached in the email invoke the virus, which harvests email addresses it finds on the computer's hard drive. The virus then forwards itself onto the list of email addresses it has discovered in infected computer.

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