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January 11, 2008 3:17 PM PST

MySpace page serves up fake Microsoft security update

by Robert Vamosi
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According to security vendor McAfee, one of the profiles on MySpace currently serves up a fraudulent Microsoft security update that, if clicked, attempts to load malicious software. The profile of a 42-year-old woman from Arkansas appears to exist solely for the purpose of infecting visitors. McAfee says that both Microsoft and MySpace have been contacted.

Joris Evers, publicity director at McAfee, says "attackers send unwitting MySpace users a friend request, asking them to become friends with 'Rita.' When the user clicks to see who 'Rita' is they are sent to the profile that serves up malware." The profile page is "overlaid with what looks like a legitimate Windows 'Automatic Updates' pop-up box. Clicking on or near the pop-up results in a request for a file download masked as a Microsoft update called 'updateKB890830.exe' from a server that includes 'winxpupdate.Microsoft' in its name."

As of now the page is still available on the MySpace site. McAfee says its customers are protected. CNET tested ZoneAlarm and a few other security apps that also blocked access to the malicious code.

As CNET's resident security expert, Robert Vamosi has been interviewed on the BBC, CNN, MSNBC, and other outlets to share his knowledge about the latest online threats and to offer advice on personal and corporate security. Listen to his podcast at securitybites.cnet.com or e-mail Robert with your questions and comments.
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The link?
by AndrewRich January 12, 2008 5:38 PM PST
How can we go test to see if we're vulnerable without a link?
Reply to this comment
Posting the link would be irresponsible
by jdzions January 14, 2008 2:41 PM PST
It would be pretty irresponsible to post the link to a known malicious page, wouldn't it? If you're a researcher, contact C|Net - I'm sure they'll tell you the link. Or search Facebook for a profile of a 42 year old woman from Arkansas named Rita; there probably aren't that many.
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Covering computer viruses and computer crime, Robert Vamosi goes beyond the hype to provide you with expert interviews of the top security researchers, as well as offering the hands-on, nontechnical advice you'll need to stay safe online.

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