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Jul202010

New Virus Alert: Malware Spreading Through USB Storage Devices

Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at 1:42PM |

There’s a new crop of malware spreading through USB storage devices, reports security reporter Brian Krebs. The rootkit-style attack worms its way in through a security flaw in the way Microsoft Windows handles shortcut files.

Microsoft released an advisory about this vulnerability. The tech giant explains, “the vulnerability exists because Windows incorrectly parses shortcuts in such a way that malicious code may be executed when the icon of a specially crafted shortcut is displayed. This vulnerability is most likely to be exploited through removable drives.” The advisory also includes guidance for those already infected, as well as some preventative measures.

Malware stemming from external drives, like USBs, is becoming increasingly common. We commend Microsoft for steering its users towards remedies, but prevention is still the best approach. As Krebs points out:

If this truly is a new vulnerability in Windows, it could soon become a popular method for spreading malware. But for now, this threat seems fairly targeted: Independent security researcher Frank Boldewin said he had an opportunity to dissect the malware samples, and observed that they appeared to be looking for Siemens WinCC SCADA systems, or machines responsible for controlling the operations of large, distributed systems, such as manufacturing and power plants.

“Looks like this malware was made for espionage,” Boldewin said.

Are you and your network protected? In order to be fully protected from viruses spreading from USB keys to your computer, you need advanced offline protection like Immunet Protect Plus.

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Reader Comments (15)

Well, I have been an in the field computer technician for some time and never new about this new exploit. Very happy that I came across this post. Will remember to add this to my kit for future prevention and detection measures for me and for my clients computers.

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This seems like a pretty big threat since most people are more trustworthy of USB drives, and CDs which their friends let them borrow to transfer files.

It would also be pretty bad if a virus infected every USB drive plug into an infected computer. In public places like a school computer, public library, internet cafe, etc. A infected computer might be able to infect hundreds of USB flash drives in a matter of weeks, or months.

I read on other security blogs by disabling auto-run and making sure UAC is set to the highest level. It can increase Windows security from auto-run viruses from flash drives and CDs.

There are also behavioral software like ThreatFire which can detect malicious activity. Plus, sandboxs like Sandboxie which can increase security by running unknown files, folders, and drives in a sandbox.

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