IT security experts have warned of a newly detected email virus which poses as breaking news stories about the supposed arrest of the author of the MyDoom worm, the capture of Osama bin Laden, or conspiracy theories about the death of the late Pope John Paul II.

The Kedebe-F worm (W32/Kedebe-F) spreads via email using a variety of subject lines and message bodies, according to Sophos.

Users who fall for the social engineering trick and launch the attached file risk disabling their security software and passing the infection to other computer users.

The worm can send a variety of messages, including: "Someone sent me this document which is stolen from a secret government body and deals about John Paul's death. It says he was killed by two 'doctors' who were hired by some government bodies. The text attached contains all the story behind his death and who these doctors are."

On other occasions, the text of the message can claim that Michael Jackson has died, Osama bin Laden has been captured by US soldiers, or the author of the MyDoom worm has been arrested by Microsoft.

Clicking on the attached file launches the worm, which disables security software installed on the computer and spreads the virus to other internet users via email and peer-to-peer file-sharing networks.

"Hackers are constantly trying to dupe computer users into running malicious code with the promise of breaking news stories," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos.

"Using the late Pope's name is a sick trick designed to fool the unwary. Everyone should exercise extreme caution, run up-to-date antivirus software, and ensure they never run unsolicited email attachments."

Sophos reported in April that spammers were exploiting interest in the late Pope for a 'make money fast' scheme.

The Kedebe-F worm is not reported to be spreading widely.