Smile, you're on a botnet!

Posted by   Virus Bulletin on   May 9, 2011

Multi-platform Java botnet allows for remote control of webcam and microphone.

Researchers have discovered a multi-platform botnet running on the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) that can potentially run on both Windows machines and on Macs.

The botnet, of which only the Windows version has been seen in the wild, installs itself on a victim's computer via an executable and will only run if the JRE is installed. The executable then downloads a number of Java libraries that allow the botherder to remotely control the computer.

Among the features of the botnet advertised on its website - which was still live earlier today - were a keylogger, the ability to talk to the victim via a microphone and the option to control and record on the victim's webcam. The developers also offer an iPhone/iPad app, enabling botherders to control their botnet while away from home.

While some of the botnet's features may sound funny at first, it is not difficult to imagine the damage this could do to the victim's computer and to their general feeling of online security.

The fact that this botnet can potentially run on Macs too is part of a growing trend of malware targeting the Mac user and should be a warning for the users of non-Windows platforms: while they might be less likely to become the victim of malware, they are far from immune from it.

More on the botnet, which its developers have dubbed 'Incognito RAT', at McAfee's blog here.

Posted on 9 May 2011 by Virus Bulletin

 Tags

botnet mac java JRE
twitter.png
fb.png
linkedin.png
hackernews.png
reddit.png

 

Latest posts:

VBSpam tests to be executed under the AMTSO framework

VB is excited to announce that, starting from the Q3 test, all VBSpam tests of email security products will be executed under the AMTSO framework.

In memoriam: Prof. Ross Anderson

We were very sorry to learn of the passing of Professor Ross Anderson a few days ago.

In memoriam: Dr Alan Solomon

We were very sorry to learn of the passing of industry pioneer Dr Alan Solomon earlier this week.

New paper: Nexus Android banking botnet – compromising C&C panels and dissecting mobile AppInjects

In a new paper, researchers Aditya K Sood and Rohit Bansal provide details of a security vulnerability in the Nexus Android botnet C&C panel that was exploited in order to gather threat intelligence, and present a model of mobile AppInjects.

New paper: Collector-stealer: a Russian origin credential and information extractor

In a new paper, F5 researchers Aditya K Sood and Rohit Chaturvedi present a 360 analysis of Collector-stealer, a Russian-origin credential and information extractor.

We have placed cookies on your device in order to improve the functionality of this site, as outlined in our cookies policy. However, you may delete and block all cookies from this site and your use of the site will be unaffected. By continuing to browse this site, you are agreeing to Virus Bulletin's use of data as outlined in our privacy policy.