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

I know! I know!

[that this is not und]

Next, I will write a 'virus' that attacks Macintosh SE/30's running NetBSD!

...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!"

Non-story

[nevali]

This is possibly the biggest waste of a story Slashdot's had in a while.

Not only does it only 'infect' iPods running Linux, but it's not even able to replicate. To call it a virus is stretching the truth, to say the least; it's just a program that trashes your binaries.

Re:Thank Goodness

[J0nne]

It's for the same reason people install Linux on their iPods in the first place: because they can.

Next gen Virus

[ValiSystem]

Hey, i made a multi platform virus that can infect almost any existing computer. And it's easy to spread : just compile following code : #include "stdio.h" int main (void) { printf("YOU ARE INFECTED BY ULTRAdOOM NExT gen, F3AR THE L0RD !!\n"); exit 0; } Launch and here you are ! (yes, i know, i should have posted that on my blog and write a story for Slashdot)

Parts needed...

[FinchWorld]

iPod - £90 to £250

iPod Linux - Free

Knowledge and desire to install linux on your MP3 Player - Your social life

Having been smart enough to install Linux on your iPod then go out of your way to install a virus - Priceless

For everything else theres run of the mill idiots.

Question

[Rogerborg]

What is the intersection between people who're smart enough to have installed Linux on their iPods, and people stupid enough to run a random executable?

Would anyone in that set like to make themselves known? Anyone? Don't be shy; anyone at all?

Didn't think so.

Re:Whatever happened to...

[RDW]

How about a Zune virus that strips the DRM from the tracks on the infected machine and 'squirts' itself to all the other Zunes within wireless range? Think about it, if such a virus were released today the number of infections could soar into double figures by the end of the decade!