Zombie tool exploits Windows and antivirus flaws

An updated variant of a malicious bot program is spreading via a flaw in Symantec’s antivirus software as well as through several holes in Microsoft code.

The program, called “Spybot.ACYR” by Symantec and “Sdbot.worm!811a7027” by McAfee, appears to be targeting educational institutions, according to a blog item posted by Symantec on Tuesday. “We are seeing a spike in traffic on port 2967 with activity only in the .edu domain,” the security company said. “The impact of the attack is minimal thus far.”

This Spybot variant attempts to break into computers through a six-month-old vulnerability in Symantec Client Security and Symantec AntiVirus. A fix has been available since 25 May. “Customers who have applied the patch in their environment are unaffected by the worm,” Symantec said.

Additionally, the bot program tries to exploit five flaws in Microsoft Windows, the most recent of which was patched in August and affects Windows file and printer sharing. The oldest Windows flaw of the five dates back to 2004, according to Symantec’s alert.

Read more: ZDNet.co.uk