Fight Virus With Virus?

Insanik writes "I am not an expert with internet worms like Code Red. However, I am curious if it would be possible to create a friendly worm/virus/whatever that would fight the original by using the same security holes. For instance, I read that Code Red II opens a back door. Why not have another virus that exploited the back door, closed it, then started sending itself to other servers for a certain period of time? " The submittor raises an interesting question - is this possible? I would guess so, in theory. And while we're working on Code Red, can we send a large man to the home of my latest Sircam senders and politely "ask" them to stop clicking on virii?

Comments

Re:Don't be a part of the problem

[CharlieG]

You say:

It is up to the infected party to take the medicine, and it would be unethical to seize the unwitting victim and force the medicine into their bodies.

The thing is they CAN seize you and force you to take medicine IF you are determined (Usually by 2 doctors) to be a danger to yourself or others. Ever hear the term "Involuntary Commitment"
There ARE times when you are forced to do things

Its entirely possible

[baptiste]

CodeRed II leaves a huge hole - the virtual C and D drives so even if they remove the root.exe file, as long as the explorer.exe is infected, you can access any file via /c or /d in your GET request (ie /c/winnt/system32/cmd.exe?any cmd you want)

I'm sure folks will scream its illegal and it probably is - but can't a case be made for 'self defense' I mean if someone brandishes a gun at me am I not within my rights to shoot them or at least take their gun away?

Why not apply the same logic to this, they are probing me to infect my server so why can't I probe back and disarm them?