MacNewsWorld Talkback

Re: First Mac OS X Worm Shows Up
Posted by: Erika Morphy 2006-02-18 20:47:49

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The day of reckoning has arrived for Mac users. Internet security firms have discovered the first Mac OS X worm. Called OSX/Leap-A, the worm spreads through Apple's iChat instant messaging system. The worm forwards itself as a file called latestpics.tgz to contacts on the user's buddy list. It is disguised by a JPEG graphic icon. The worm also uses the text "oompa" as a marker in the resource forks of infected programs to prevent it from reinfecting the same files, according to the Internet security firm Sophos.

Re: First Mac OS X Worm Shows Up
Posted by: mi1400 2006-02-20 20:34:19 In reply to: Erika Morphy

I believe, to classify this whether to virus, trojan, worm.... the very easy out of this is to compare its characteristics with the viruses, Trojans and Worms for Windows... which category in characteristics most satisfies be awarded to this Mac threat. Calling it Malware (or Threat) will be like just calling it only a "bad thing".
I personally believe this is a "Virus".....
Its not trogan cuz of classic old definitions (not current/recent defs by every tom/dickle/harry) trojan when infecting gives some sort of remote admin control. It remains stealth and harms are tasks asociated to remote-controler's operations.
Its also not a Worm cuz worm doesnot damages the PC. Worm is similar to Trojan.. yes and not virus cuz Worm also leaks perosnal info but it lacks the controlability of remote admin. Worm just keep broadcasting preprogrammed valuable information like all email addresses on the PC for bulk mailers buisness etc.
It is Virus.... cuz it was only damaging the PC it was NOT broadcasting personal info. and it was also not a remot-admin software.
Regards
Muhammad Imran
Islamabad, Pakistan.