A Proof-of-Concept Virus for iPods Running Linux

An anonymous reader writes "Although antivirus companies will probably create a hype saying that iPods are prone to infections, a virus called 'Podloso' is a newly found virus that is just a proof of concept code that can infect iPods running Linux. Once launched, the virus scans the device's hard disk and infects all executable .elf format files. Any attempt to launch these files will cause the virus to display a message on the screen which says, 'You are infected with Oslo the first iPodLinux Virus.'"

Comments

...another "social engineering" virus

[hcmtnbiker]

FTA: Podloso cannot be launched automatically without user involvement.

I always find it amusing when a virus that requires the user to activate it is considered news. By definition it's more social engineering then a vulnerability. If people weren't so stupid I assume nearly 100% of all computer virus' wouldn't exist, or wouldn't be a problem.

Re:...another "social engineering" virus

[sootman]

But it shouldn't be news. Anything that can run code, can run malicious code. It's only worth mentioning if there's a chance that a user will a) obtain and b) run the code without knowing it's malicious. If the virus were hidden in a song and could be executed just by being played, that would be news.

Oh, and look: it was discovered by a company that makes antivirus software. Wow, what are the odds that an antivirus company would be the first to discover and publicize a virus that runs on what might be called the least-adopted platform ever in history? I'd bet my next paycheck that somewhere there's a connection between an employee of that company and the author of this "virus"--and not just a six-degrees kind of link, I mean a real, substantial link.

Antivirus exec: "Well, in six years, we haven't been able to convince anyone that OS X is insecure. Despite our efforts, there hasn't been a single in-the-wild, self-replicating virus for that platform. What should we try next?"
Underling: "Maybe try spreading FUD about iPods?"
Antivirus exec: "Brilliant!"

Re:Thank Goodness

[someone1234]

Creating pseudo-life? Hell, 20 years ago i was very happy when my exe header virus first infected one of my files :) It was definitely more satisfying than hacking away on some j2ee shit.