[ news_security_news ]
Yahoo! Messenger Worm Installs Browser
Chris Crum
Staff Writer
2006-05-22
 Security News RSS Feed
A threat related to Yahoo! Messenger was identified and reported by FaceTime Security Labs Friday.
The threat involves a worm called yhoo32.explr that installs a "safety browser" and takes over the Internet Explorer homepage. Users are lead to a site that infects their machines with spyware. Users are easily fooled by the use of an Internet Explorer icon.
FaceTime points out that this is the first time a case has been recorded of malware actually installing a web browser onto a PC without permission from the user.
"This is the first instance of a complete web browser hijack without the user's awareness. Similar 'rogue' browsers, such as 'Yapbrowser,' have demonstrated the potential for serious damage by directing end-users to potentially illegal or illicit material. 'Rogue' browsers seem to be the hot new thing among hackers," said FaceTime Senior Director of Research, Tyler Wells.
Aside from the browser installation, the worm spreads to the user's entire Yahoo! Messenger contact list.
Add to | DiggThis | Yahoo! My Web
Technorati: worm, yahoo instant messenger
About the Author:
Chris Crum is a staff writer for SecurityProNews and WebProNews.
More news_security_news Articles
Security News RSS Feed
|
|
