Network security specialist Qualys has identified what it describes
as a "potentially dangerous" hacking attack on Linux systems.
Based on a Remote Shell Trojan horse, the attack is said to spread
via e-mail attachments. Once infected, systems start "listening"
for network traffic.
Gerhard Eschelbeck, vice-president of engineering at Qualys said:
"The most significant worry is its unique ability to receive and
execute payloads through the network, making it a threat to even
the most secured hosts."
Qualys said in order to activate an attack on a Linux system
hackers send specially crafted network packets designed to launch
arbitrary commands. Once launched the commands scour the system for
sensitive data, vandalising or completely destroying files on the
infected Linux system.
According to Qualys, the Trojan horse attack also has
self-replicating capabilities making it likely that it will
contaminate and spread through files on the infected system. The
Trojan horse may also allow hackers to search the Internet and find
infected systems, increasing the speed and likelihood of exposure.