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New Bropia worm sends jokes via MSN Messenger
Saturday, February 26, 2005 at 15:40 by Rich Kavanagh
Experts at Sophos have warned computer users about a new version of the Bropia worm which spreads via the MSN Messenger online chat system.

The W32/Bropia-R worm sends itself to all contacts in an infected user's MSN Messenger buddy list, in an attempt to drop a copy of another worm - the W32/Rbot-WN network worm and backdoor Trojan horse. This malicious worm allows hackers to take remote control of infected computers, allowing them to capture keystrokes and grab screenshots (allowing opportunities for identity fraud), and even capture webcam footage of the unsuspecting user.

When first run, Bropia-R may display an error message that reads "Enkele bestanden konden niet gemaakt worden. Sluit alle toepassingen, start Windows opnieuw op en start deze installatie opnieuw op" which translates into English says "Some files could not be created, close all application windows and start this installation again."

The Bropia-R worm displays a comical image of a toothbrush and toilet roll on infected computers.

Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos said,

"Some may be amused by the bathroom humour, but people hit by this worm may be flushing their security down the lavatory. Staff should be encouraged to take security seriously, and be taught to be wary of opening unsolicited attachments - even if they come in via instant messaging systems rather than regular email."

An earlier version of the Bropia worm which spread via instant messaging displayed a picture of a sunburnt chicken.
 
Contact Rich Kavanagh, the author of this article View a printer friendly version of this article Email this article to a friend RSS Feeds

Comment # 1 on 26 February 2005 at 17:45 by mr.p2p
does someone add u for this to happen or is it an email attachment

Comment # 2 on 27 February 2005 at 14:33 by Anonymous
"worm sends itself to all contacts in an infected user's MSN Messenger buddy list" There's your answer.

Comment # 3 on 27 February 2005 at 22:38 by Anonymous
They are not un-common. Often a random file will be put up for acceptance, sometimes acompanied with a message like 'take a look at this picture' or something along those lines. Make sure you only accept files from users who have explained to you that they are going to send a file. Trusting people you know well may not be enough as often people who have these worms do not actually know about it themselves.

Comment # 4 on 01 March 2005 at 17:04 by 2298
I have experienced this several times. Once i had 5 contacts attempt to send me the same file titled: "me drunk". The file had the logo showing it did not have a program to run on.

Comment # 5 on 08 March 2005 at 04:24 by Anonymous
Yeh, I agree

Comment # 6 on 22 March 2005 at 22:05 by Anonymous
i managed to stop the bropia worm before it installed itself onto my computer!! u need to find a way of gettin rid of these worms before every1 gets infected

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