NewsForge: Hands-On Testing of the New Linux Virus

“Thanks to one of our readers, NewsForge has obtained a copy of
the widely reported Windows/Linux cross-platform ‘proof of concept’
virus. News reports thus far on the code have contradicted
themselves: some reported the virus can replicate itself on both
Windows and Linux, others saying it has a viral nature only on
Windows. Testing by both NewsForge staff and Hans-Werner Hilse may
reveal why the confusion.

“Our tests shows the code’s viral nature is sometimes–but not
always–effective on both platforms, depending on the kernel being
used. Of course, it’s impossible for us to test every version of
the kernel out there, but thus far, it looks like those prior to
version 2.6.16 are susceptible, and at least some of those after
that release are not…”

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