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28 Oct 2005
AOL’s instant messaging service has been hit by a virus which downloads spyware onto computers via a special website.
The virus spreads via messages on AOL’s AIM software, either saying HILARIOUS!!! Or see thing!!!, with a URL. Clicking on the link takes the user to a web page that attempts to download a Trojan onto the computer using patchable flaws in the browser.
“We have seen several versions of the URL,” said web monitor Websense, which issued an alert about the virus.
“Some are up and some have been taken down. All have been hosted on personal web pages at ISPs, have had the extension of ‘.com’, prefixed by ‘~username’, and either ‘image’ or ‘pic’, followed by a number and extension.”
Once installed, the Trojan then modifies several registry items, adds a browser helper object, and installs several pieces of spyware. It also connects to more than 10 different websites to download and install other Trojan Horses and pieces of spyware.
AOL has become a regular target in recent months. Last month it was hit with a phishing scam, although the company claims that no information was stolen.
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Do you agree?
CLEAN OUT YOUR AIM VIRUS
In response to the first comment, it is infact a virus, or 'worm' that is undetectable to virus scans. The worm penetrates into your files through your AIM program. But no worries, there's a quick fix. http://www.jayloden.com/AIMFix.exe
Posted by: Megan 26 Nov 2005
like to report a site
i got one of these and spent 5 mins removing it, it asks u to download a file, then creates one called lockex.exe and it attempts to reach the internet, luckily zone alarm may block the file from connecting. hijack this may remove it too by just a simple few clicks
Posted by: anti-hacker 30 Oct 2005
AOL or Windows problem
Is this an AOL problem or another faulty Windwows problem?
Posted by: user 29 Oct 2005
Umm...
AIM has been hit by no virus. It's not a virus at all, nor is it anything that's affected the IM service. It's the fault of the idiot user who doesn't check links before clicking them and watch what they're downloading/installing.
Posted by: D14BL0 28 Oct 2005