Mac OS X: Has the sky finally fallen? Virus warning from CNN
Has the sky finally fallen? Virus warning from CNN
by grimgraphix - 4/30/06 6:08 PMDaines was the victim of a computer virus.
He and at least one other person who clicked on the links were infected by what security experts call the first virus for Mac OS X
Apple's most recent wake-up call came last week, as a Southern California researcher reported seven new vulnerabilities. Tom Ferris said malicious Web sites can exploit the holes without a user's knowledge, potentially allowing a criminal to execute code remotely and gain access to passwords and other sensitive information.
Ferris said he warned Apple of the vulnerabilities in January and February and that the company has yet to patch the holes, prompting him to compare the Cupertino-based computer maker to Microsoft three years ago, when the world's largest software company was criticized for being slow to respond to weaknesses in its products.
In Daines' infection, a bug in the virus' code prevented it from doing much damage. Still, several of his operating system files were deleted, several new files were created and several applications, including a program for recording audio, were crippled.
Is it really an OS virus or a hole in the browser?
"several new files were created and several applications, including a program for recording audio, were crippled."... this really makes me wonder if it isn't another attack by some DRM group. No... No honest company would corrupt a persons computer maliciously now would they. 
They wouldn't lure someone in in this case... "was browsing the Web when he clicked on a series of links that promised pictures of an unreleased update to his computer's operating system."
Will the doom sayers finally get to crow with glee?
grim
This is O L D stuff
by mrmacfixit
- 5/1/06 4:55 AM
In reply to: Has the sky finally fallen? Virus warning from CNN by grimgraphix
This is the "virus" that is supposed to spread via iChat, but doesn't. Is supposed to replicate itself, but doesn't. Is supposed to stop programs from working, but doesn't.
Has CNN finally found out about something that is now at least a couple of months old? Talk about cutting edge.
To be honest, I thought this one had been patched. It still takes the user to:
1. download the program
2. Unzip it
3. Give it Admin Permissions to install
4. Give it Admin Permissions to run.
I think this has already been declared a Non-Virus and Non-Issue
P
So it's good for wrapping Fish, huh?
by grimgraphix - 5/1/06 5:12 AM In reply to: This is O L D stuff by mrmacfixit
Do they give names to these viruss or was it such a nonevent that I missed the ceremony?
Call me chicken lit... , uh, I mean call me Ishm...... just call me grim
It may have had a name
by mrmacfixit - 5/1/06 3:08 PM
In reply to: So it's good for wrapping Fish, huh? by grimgraphix
Someone else just sent me the article.
Why is stuff like this presented as NEWS when, if you read the text, you will see that it all happened in February!
It has the makings of being a virus/trojan/nuisance and, as all the reports of the day indicated, it did not actually work. It still needed help from the Administrator and failed to replicate
I know, just don't call you late for supper
P
Are you sure?
by lampietheclown - 5/1/06 4:15 PM In reply to: This is O L D stuff by mrmacfixit
The characteristics you are describing are very different than the article reports.
The article says it came from clicking a link, not iChat.
The article says it trashed system files, and Apps, and sent itself to ten other people before it crashed.
QUOTE
Benjamin Daines was browsing the Web when he clicked on a series of links that promised pictures of an unreleased update to his computer's operating system.
Instead, a window opened on the screen and strange commands ran as if the machine was under the control of someone -- or something -- else.Benjamin Daines was browsing the Web when he clicked on a series of links that promised pictures of an unreleased update to his computer's operating system.
Instead, a window opened on the screen and strange commands ran as if the machine was under the control of someone -- or something -- else.
QUOTE
He and at least one other person who clicked on the links were infected by what security experts call the first virus for Mac OS X
QUOTE
In Daines' infection, a bug in the virus' code prevented it from doing much damage. Still, several of his operating system files were deleted, several new files were created and several applications, including a program for recording audio, were crippled.
Behind the scenes, the virus also managed to hijack his instant messaging program, so the rogue file was blasted to 10 people on his buddy list.
Sounds like someone is trying to fix the problems of the one you heard about.
It does say February though. Go figure.
Lampie
This old thinq
by mrmacfixit - 5/2/06 4:53 AM
In reply to: Are you sure? by lampietheclown
Earlier this year there was a problem with a piece of code that could masquerade as a picture. It was offered, via a web link and from the other nefarious P2P places, as a picture of what the new operating System from Apple would look like.
Once downloaded, user input #1, it had to be unzipped, User Input #2, executed, User input #3, and given Admin permissions, User input #4.
Quote #1 didn't happen. To show a screen with "strange commands" one would assume that Terminal was running.
Quote #2 Wow, 2 whole people, maybe.
Quote #3 Try deleting some "System Files", using Terminal, or just dragging to the trash, and see how far you go without Admin permissions. It could though, delete the contents of Your directory, because you have admin rights to that directory. They are not System files though.
The Instant Messaging program, iChat, "could" if everything came together AND the wind was in the right direction AND other people were already using iChat with you AND you were on an internal Network AND couple of other things were in position, infect another user. However, because it was written so badly, it did not do any of those things without the long list of IF's being in place. This article is referring to the week in February when the media went gleefully mad about the 3 "Mac Virus's" All of which turned out to be BS.
P
I can see that.
by lampietheclown - 5/3/06 10:05 AM In reply to: This old thinq by mrmacfixit
I went back and found the original story. It sounds to me like they took a few liberties with the ''facts'' of the original story, trying to breathe some life into it.
I am not a coder by any means, so if someone proves me wrong, I can live with it, but this whole ''Intel chip makes the mac OS weaker'' rant needs some proof. So far it's just an assertion, and as many times as I've read it, on ''respectable'' news sites no less, there has never been a logical reason given to back it up.
I think some people don't grok a difference between Windows and Intel, thinking they are one and the same. Others just can't stand to see someone else having a good time.
If you load Windows onto your Mac, and run it, the risk goes up.
If you load OSX onto an Intel chip and run it, well, ... you have more money for new computers than I do, but that's as far as your risk increases. Don't worry. I like seeing others have a good time. They don't call me ''Clown'' for nothing!
Lampie
Agreed but......
by Guido Muldoon - 5/5/06 11:44 AM In reply to: I can see that. by lampietheclownLampie
I agree with all you say. I have a G4 high res 15" powerbook and plan on purchasing a fully loaded 17" Macbook Pro. I will never put Windows on a Mac. For me there is absolutely no reason to whatsoever. Besides it would be like inviting mad ebola monkeys to live in your house. The kiddies may love having monkeys to play with but I don't advise it.
As for the Mac/Intel question, I have no problem there. I think the Mac OS is stable and secure enough to run on any hardware platform. If I had my druthers I'd have gone with AMD assuming a dependable supply. AMD is all I use in my Windows machines now and I'm convinced it is clearly superior to Intel. I also would have thought the Apple and AMD corporate cultures would have clicked better but what do I know, I'm just a simple old sailor and retired engineer who'd rather be at sea than doing anything else.
Lampie, RIGHT ON! from Kevin
by taboma - 5/2/06 10:44 PM In reply to: Are you sure? by lampietheclownHere is the only infection I have seen on a Mac.
This crazy mouse that Rick sent me. Not a virus.
Just a work-around for it. His cat ate his mouse.
http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/8417/newmouse7tl.jpg
Have you seen or read the articles from ZDNET? Sorry, no links here. Takes me too long to find that crap.
Talk about trash articles!?
ZDNET and staff are on a roll.
Do they hate the Mac or just hate CNET!?
Interesting to figure it out.
-Kevin
Maybe its time for me to wake up from
by Gakada - 5/2/06 12:27 PM In reply to: Has the sky finally fallen? Virus warning from CNN by grimgraphixfalse sense security given by my mac...
But since many people said that, there are no viruses that will run on mac... then I have to believe them.
If anything happened on my mac, its just an error or a bug.. but certainly not caused by a virus...
Conspiracy Theory
by mrmacfixit - 5/2/06 12:59 PM
In reply to: Maybe its time for me to wake up from by Gakada
You know, I'm not one to take conspiracy theories seriously, but the sheer number of Mac virus articles that have come out in the last week makes no sense otherwise. The articles all refer to something that happened back in February, was disproved, and faded away. Remember there were three "incidents". Suddenly, out of the blue, just before Apple starts the largest, and best, Mac TV ad campaign in years, we get all this stuff dredged up as though it just happened last week?.
Consider the article in CNET recently. Preaching gloom and doom for Mac users now that Apple have gone to the Intel chip. Then check out the authors credentials. The owner of a company that sell security/AV software!
I'm not saying there will never be an OS X virus, just that there aren't any right now, despite what old stuff the press keep dragging up.
P
I agreed with you... currently I don't
by Gakada - 5/2/06 1:27 PM In reply to: Conspiracy Theory by mrmacfixit
think too much about the news...
Even if there is such virus... I just do the same as my windows machine... installing all the anties, patches, etc... because I'm sure there are also prevention and protection utility would be available.
My reply was not aimed at you
by mrmacfixit - 5/2/06 1:47 PM
In reply to: I agreed with you... currently I don't by Gakada
but to the thread as a whole.
Does seem a little coincidental that the same FUD should start streaming, again, in the week that Apple announces the ads.
someone, somewhere, might just be a little worried
P
The Sky is Not Falling…
by taboma - 5/2/06 10:46 PM In reply to: Has the sky finally fallen? Virus warning from CNN by grimgraphix…the Ground is coming up!
-Kevin
Voice of Reason
by lampietheclown - 5/3/06 11:00 AM In reply to: Has the sky finally fallen? Virus warning from CNN by grimgraphixA blog that takes the article to task, piece by piece.
http://daringfireball.net/2006/05/good_journalism
Enjoy.
Lampie
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