MXLab posts - Security

August 13, 2008 11:12 AM PDT

A flood of e-mails pretending to be from MSNBC contain links to malicious software, security companies warned Wednesday.

According to an MX Lab blog post, subject lines always start with "msnbc.com - BREAKING NEWS" then are followed with a variety of possible headlines, including: "Google launches free music downloads in China"; "Plane crashes into prep school, hundreds of kids killed"; "Please give your opinions for change"; and "US Dollar hits 6-year high, further gains expected."

The Web address http://breakingnews.msnbc.com is valid if you type it into your browser; however, clicking the link within the body of the e-mail will take you to another site entirely. The bogus site will then ask you to download a Flash video file. It is the file adobe_flash.exe that contains a malicious Trojan horse.

Sophos and Websense also issued warnings about the e-mails. Earlier this month, Sophos warned that fake CNN Top Ten e-mails contained a similar Trojan horse. In 2006, the BBC was used in a similar attack.

Disclosure: CNET News is published by CBS Interactive, a unit of CBS.

Topics:: Vulnerabilities and attacks,; News

Tags:: security,; MSNBC,; CNN,; BBC,; Adobe,; Flash,; Sophos,; MXLab

Share:: Digg; Del.icio.us; Reddit; Facebook; Twitter

About Security

Online security is threatened by more than hacking and phishing attempts. Check here for the latest updates on software vulnerabilities, data leaks, and rapidly spreading viruses--and learn how to protect your systems.

Add this feed to your online news reader

Security topics

Most Discussed

Inside CNET News

Scroll Left Scroll Right

Software, Interrupted
Open-source acquisitions: What's the holdup?
Acquisitions of open-source companies have garnered huge multiples but haven't rounded out many product portfolios. Exit plans are hazy for most open-source start-ups.
Gallery
The first microcomputers (images)
Technically Incorrect
Woman arrested after visiting with WoW teen
Canadian boy leaves home to see 42-year-old woman whom he met on World of Warcraft. No Canadian laws were broken, but she's arrested back home in Texas.
2010 CES
E-readers' next chapter might not have happy ending
There were plenty of the book readers on display at CES, but many question whether the market for such dedicated devices is large enough to support all the new entrants.
Video
Highlights from the Microsoft keynote
The Social
Google launches local search for mobile
The "Near me now" option is now available for Android and iPhone users who have opted to share their locations.
Video
Floor-cleaning robot gets those tight spots
Geek Gestalt
Inside the world's long-lost first microcomputer
Vintage computer historians have long revered the Altair 8800. But an unknown computer project at Sacramento State beat the Altair by three years. CNET got a look at it.
Cutting Edge
Starry, starry 'first light' from NASA's WISE mission
The new Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer kicks off its mission to scan and capture a view of the entire sky with a look at the constellation Carina.
Gallery
Intel touts 3D, apps for Netbooks at CES (photos)
Crave
Friday Poll: Most exciting CES happening so far?
CES 2010 still has a ways to go, but if you had to cite your pick for most exciting or noteworthy news out of the gadget blowout so far, what would it be?
2010 CES
Control4 readies networked home energy system
Control4's home energy management system uses a home wireless network and tough-screen display to monitor electricity and let consumers participate in energy efficiency programs.