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Linux Virus Alert

Posted by timothy on from the poisoned-herring-or-red-herring dept.

marcjw writes: "I don't see many of these (Linux virus alerts). In fact none in the six months or so since I've switched from MS. Maybe that's why this story from newsbytes caught my eye. At any rate, I'm not sure if this poses much of a threat to the general Linux community but it's always best to be forewarned."

7 of 501 comments (clear)

  1. This cracks me up. by JeremyYoung · · Score: 5, Funny
    ...the virus requires users to run an infected program from an account with "root" permission.


    Ya, I run lots of unknown binaries while logged in as root, it's my favorite activity.
    --

    Go Lakers!

  2. It's not a virus, it's stupid. by lostchicken · · Score: 4, Funny

    #!/bin/sh
    cat /dev/urandom > /dev/hda1

    There. It's a virus.

    --
    -twb
  3. Loved this part... by Eryq · · Score: 5, Funny

    Unlike some Windows-based viruses that travel like wildfire using vulnerabilities in Microsoft's Outlook e-mail program, the new RST variant is unlikely to spread widely, according to Russell.

    One short sentence to compare and contrast the MS Virus Deployment System with Linux. I also like the part where he says that most Linuxers are more "sophisticated" (must be why our mascot wears a tux).

    --
    I'm a bloodsucking fiend! Look at my outfit!
  4. heh by Order · · Score: 4, Funny

    Linux, an alternative to Microsoft's Windows.

    Heh, couldn't they just write "An operating system"?

    --

    I am a genius; therefore, you suck.
  5. DOS 7 virus alert! by startled · · Score: 5, Funny

    Do NOT run "deltree /Y *"-- this is a very dangerous trojan that could potentially destroy your system!

    The worst part is, it's already infected 100% of all DOS 7 systems.

    (Is is just be, or does it seem silly to give any time to a "virus" that requires you to run a binary while rooted?)

  6. Re:OpenBSD.. by The+FooMiester · · Score: 5, Funny

    .. runs your Linux binaries (if you can't get source)..
    .. runs your FreeBSD binaries (if you can't get source)..
    .. remember most "Linux" code is just generic UNIX C..
    .. Be safe, run OpenBSD.

    Whereas, I'm working on porting this virus to NetBSD, and putting it in the pkgsrc collection, so it can be enjoyed on a VAX, an Amiga, hey, you name it! You too can feel "cool" when your alpha gets infected. Who says the only people who get viruses are those running intel boxen with windows!

    And for the netBSD/toaster port, I guess I'll just have to make it burn the toast on one side, and leave the other side raw.

    --
    The previous has been a secret message to my comrades.
  7. I wont be running it!! by gorre · · Score: 4, Funny

    Who would run a virus that is distributed as a binary only? Everyone knows no self respecting linux user uses software unless the source is available! Until they release this virus under the GPL I for one will be staying well clear of it.

    --
    "Madness is something rare in individuals - but in groups, parties, peoples, ages it is the rule." -- Nietzsche