MySpace
Malicious MySpace profiles are hosting a new malware attack

MySpace page pushes fake Microsoft update

Dodgy profile hosting 'malware cocktail'

Shaun Nichols in California

A bogus profile on MySpace is being used to push a new malware attack.

Researchers at McAfee found malicious pages on the social networking site which spawn pop-up windows attempting to spoof Microsoft's automatic update service.

Advertisement

The pop-up tells the user that an official update, identified as 'updateKB890830.exe', is ready to be installed.

The attacker has further tried to confuse users by using a URL which includes 'winxpupdate.microsoft' in the address.

A McAfee spokesperson told vnunet.com that the software is "a true malware cocktail".

A remote-control tool and several Trojan programs attempt to download other malicious packages. The various downloads have been traced to servers in China, Malaysia and Ukraine.

McAfee said that the malicious profiles were still active on Friday afternoon, and that MySpace and Microsoft had been notified of the incident.

The security firm recommends users not to accept friend requests from unknown parties, and to avoid visiting suspicious profiles.

This is not the first worm to spread via MySpace. In late 2006 a flaw in QuickTime was used to launch a phishing attack which altered user profiles and hijacked friend lists.

  • Have your say
  • Send to a friend
  • Print
  • Digg
  • Reddit
  • Share

Tags:

Do you agree?

Related whitepapers

Related jobs

Most watched

V3.co.uk weekly debrief, 13 Nov 09

This week we discuss the inaugural V3.co.uk Summit

Summit: Salesforce.com on SaaS and information overload

How web services contribute to data headaches

Analysis and Reports

Remote access - Three steps to getting connected

3.4 million UK professionals now work from home – is your company equipped?

Cost benefits of a global collaboration network

This white paper is a must read for organisations looking for evidence of the bottom-line benefits of high-definition video and voice communications

Poll

Impact of Information Overload poll

Impact of Information Overload poll

What is the biggest problem your firm faces as a result of the data explosion?

View poll results

Advertisement

White paper library

Keep up to date with the latest products, services and technologies from the world's leading IT companies; IThound.com brings you over 6,000 white papers, case studies and analyst reports.

Advertisement

Newsletter signup

Sign up for our range of FREE newsletters:

Existing User

Newsletter user login:

Enter email address to edit your newsletter preferences

Job of the week

Search thousands of IT jobs :

Search thousands of IT jobs:

Advanced search

Hiring now on ComputingCareers:

Related IT jobs

Search thousands of IT jobs :

Search thousands of IT jobs:

Advanced search

Advertisement

Spotlight

V3.co.uk weekly debrief, 13 Nov 09

This week we discuss the inaugural V3.co.uk Summit

Fingers on keyboard

New Flash vulnerability discovered

Web sites could be vulnerable to Flash attacks

Chris Adams

Summit: Microsoft Office to the rescue

Chris Adams, Office Client product manager for Microsoft UK, explains...

Illegal downloader

Industry and human rights campaigners united in opposition to "three strikes" plan

Critics says government proposals to curb illegal downloading are unworkable...

Primary Navigation