Re: Linux Virus

[hzi <hzi@uol.com.br>]

Hi-

When you use wvdial, you read e-mail as root, don't you? Wvdial is probably the most common way to set up a ppp conection, since it's suggested in the Debian docuemtntaion.

So I guess my question would be how to use wvdial and still remain safe from "virus".

	Thank you,

		Regards,

				Henry
	


At 10:00 PM 3/28/2001 -0500, Ben Collins wrote:
> On Thu, Mar 29, 2001 at 12:55:16PM +1000, Mark Devin wrote:
> > Does anyone know anything further on this new W32.Winux virus.
> > Check out this link:
> > http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1003-200-5329436.html?tag=st.cn.1.lthd
> >
> > Surely this virus cannot overwrite executables that require root
> > permission? Or can it?
>
> No, if this virus actually exists (and I doubt its true, or even
> particularly threatening), it can only affect your files. Unless you are
> in the bad habit of reading email as root, and executing random
> attachments manually.

At this point the virus is just a proof of concept, no payload and no replication existing only on the author's HD and the copy he emailled to the anti-viral company.

the proven concept may be used to do more interesting things.