The message is sent with the subject field: Osama Bin Laden Captured
GLENDALE, Calif., April 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Panda Software's PandaLabs has
detected a spam message currently being sent to users which tries to get
recipients to visit an advertising page and which also downloads a Trojan to
users computers.
The characteristics of the message are:
From: the name of the sender is variable, although it tries to make
recipients think it has been sent by the BBC or CNN.
Subject: "Osama Bin Laden Captured",
Message text: "Hey, Just got this from CNN, Osama Bin Laden has been
captured! Goto the link below to view the pics and to download the video if
you so wish: (Internet address) "Murderous coward he is". God bless America!".
The address indicated in the message takes users to what appears to be an
advertising page. However, the page contains code that exploits a
vulnerability (detected by Panda antivirus as Exploit/MIE.CHM). The code also
downloads and runs a file (detected as VBS/Psyme.C). Finally, a file called
EXPLOIT.EXE, which contains the Trojan Trj/Small.B is downloaded from Internet
onto users' machines.
Panda Software advises users to treat e-mails received with caution and to
update their antivirus software. The company has already made the updates to
its products available to users to ensure their solutions can deal with this
threat. Similarly, users can also detect and disinfect malicious code using
the free, online antivirus, Panda ActiveScan, which is also available on the
company's website at http://www.pandasoftware.com.
About Panda Software
Panda Software (http://www.pandasoftware.com) is the first company to
allow truly automatic daily signature updates, as well as centralized
administration of antivirus protection, both of which have revolutionized the
antivirus industry. Panda Software is also known for its user-friendly
policies, including free telephone support for corporate customers, expanded
competitive renewal programs and free disinfection services. All of its
products feature exclusive SmartClean(TM) technology and are endorsed by major
industry watchdogs including ICSA Labs and Checkmark.
Panda Software's solutions have received awards and quality certifications
from the sector's most widely-respected organizations, including ICSA Labs and
Checkmark and its commitment to customer service, innovative products, and the
pioneering concept of 24h-365d tech support have revolutionized the IT
security industry.
ABOUT PANDALABS
On receiving a possibly infected file, Panda Software's technical staff
gets right to work. The file is analyzed and depending on the type, the
action taken may include: disassembly, macro scanning, code analysis etc. If
the file does in fact contain a new virus, the disinfection and detection
routines are prepared and quickly distributed to users.
For more information:
Alan Wallace
VP, Corporate Communications US
pr@pandasecurity.com
(818) 543-6909
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