WebTV/MSNTV Virus Dials 911

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Posted by timothy on Tuesday July 23, 2002 @08:53AM from the well-it's-only-a-minor-emergency dept.

Semji Rkim writes: "Though not the first virus to direct modems at 911, ABC News is reporting a bug in WebTV (Now branded as MSNTV) units which causes the infected unit to hang-up and dial 911. The virus spreads via email and Microsoft officials are looking into how it is able to replicate and also control the modem. Affected users are advised to delete the email and call Microsoft at 1-800-469-3288."

12 of 515 comments (clear)

Can't be true by CodeWheeney · 2002-07-23 08:56 · Score: 5, Funny

This can't be true. Microsoft just spent a whole month focusing on security. There must be some mistake.

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C8H10N4O2 | Developer > Code
This is serious by jandrese · 2002-07-23 08:56 · Score: 5, Insightful

Tying up 911 lines costs lives. In many jurisdictions you can be fined for prank calling 911, especially if you are a repeat offender. WebTV users would be well advised to be very careful with their email until this problem is resolved.

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I read the internet for the articles.
1. Re:This is serious by Jonny+Ringo · 2002-07-23 09:00 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  WebTV users would be well advised to be very careful with their email until this problem is resolved.
  
  I'd one up you on that, and advise WebTV users to take their WebTV out to the back yard with a baseball bat. You know like on Office space.
  
  Then, call the MS 1800 number and say that you found a fix.
2. Re:This is serious by HanzoSan · 2002-07-23 09:00 · Score: 5, Informative
  
  Yeah Its wrong to tie up 911 but 911 is the only number which could fit into the command string for ATH0.
  
  Yes its ATH0, not a virus.
  
  ATH0 Exploit
  
  ATH0 info
  
  --
  If you use Linux, please help development of Autopac
3. Re:This is serious by murphj · 2002-07-23 10:13 · Score: 5, Interesting
  
  Quoted from parent's link:
  The patent was a "submarine" patent -- that is, one that issues long after others in the industry have begun using the same technique or technology ... The patent involved the timing of the escape sequence: The characters "+++" followed by a 1-second pause. To get around the patent, some modem vendors simply eliminated the pause, so that the sequence +++AT would bring the modem back to command mode in all cases.
  It's interesting that the only reason this works is that Hayes pulled the same trick Forgent is trying with JPEG.
  
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  SONY. Because caucasians are just too damn tall.
ATH0 by HanzoSan · 2002-07-23 08:57 · Score: 5, Informative

Any knowledgeable hacker knows about ATH0, it effects around 50 percent of 56k/33/28 modems.

With this, I was able to hang up peoples connections and even make them dial phone numbers, you send the modem commands and because of a bug, the modems obey the commands.

Its not a virus, Its something thats been going on for years, its an old trick/exploit.hack

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If you use Linux, please help development of Autopac
Colour me impressed by Aexia · 2002-07-23 08:58 · Score: 5, Funny

that a virii could hack a MSN/WebTV unit *and* propagate itself to other MSN/WebTV users.

Microsoft advises affected customers to delete the email and call 1-800-469-3288.

Suggestion for next iteration of virus: dial this number instead.
Re:Legal Consequences? by NanoGator · 2002-07-23 09:04 · Score: 5, Funny

Well, if Microsoft presses charges, then it'll probably be 1 count for every computer they have whether it can run Windows or not.

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"Derp de derp."
How much longer until 1-900? by magicsquid · 2002-07-23 09:05 · Score: 5, Interesting

How much longer will it be before unscrupulous 900 number operators enlist people to alter this virus to make it dial their numbers? Given that it takes a month to get a phone bill, the culprits can close up shop and move on long before anyone even realizes there is a probem...

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"Chances of RHIC-induced Armageddon are exceedingly rare, but... you never know." - MIT Physicist Bob Jaffe
Interm Solution by t0qer · 2002-07-23 09:09 · Score: 5, Insightful

M$ sends an automated voice message out to all their subscibers. Either that or make all the access numbers just play this instead of sending any actual data.

"Services will not be availiable today because of a virus that affects webtv users. The virus takes control of the webTV modem and causes it to dial 911. Please unplug your webtv unit from the phone line until we can fix the problem. Please call 555-1212 if you suspect your webtv has been affected"

Clean up your mail servers. Install something to filter out the virus and any varients. Even the least tech savvy people will understand "It dials 911" and "Unplug your webtv"

Just some advice.

--toq
Re:Liability? by Peyna · 2002-07-23 09:19 · Score: 5, Funny

You're liable for purchasing MS software, thus promoting them, and giving them money to produce said hole in their software. Your parents are liable for giving birth to you, but it wasn't their fault because the condom broke. Therefore, it is Trojan's fault, but it isn't their fault because it is Margaret Sanger's fault for promoting birth control. I can keep going if you like.

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What?
My only hope... by erat · 2002-07-23 10:55 · Score: 5, Insightful

...is that the loser who made this all happen has a heartattack and can't get through to 911 emergency services because his/her own virus/hack/whatever is tying up the line.

Sometimes these pranks go too far.