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  • (01. January 2010., 10:27:49)









Author Topic: Windows 7 still at risk from Explorer flaw: horrible_malware_text, VIRUS.JPG.EXE  (Read 8971 times)

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Samker

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Windows 7, the much-awaited replacement for Microsoft's ill-fated Vista operating system, still includes a legacy flaw that can put users at risk, says a security specialist.

Mikko Hypponen, research boss for computer security experts F-Secure says that an exploit from earlier Windows versions still exists in the release candidate for the next-generation Microsoft OS.

Hypponen wrote in his blog that the flaw, which existed in Windows NT, 2000, XP and Vista, allowed cyberbrooks to exploit a Windows Explorer issue to hide viruses and executable files from users.

The 'Hide extensions for known file types' feature, which could be used to disguise malware nasties, still exists in the new OS.

"Virus writers used this "feature" to make people mistake executables for stuff such as document files," he wrote.

"The trick was to rename VIRUS.EXE to VIRUS.TXT.EXE or VIRUS.JPG.EXE, and Windows would hide the .EXE part of the filename.

"Additionally, virus writers would change the icon inside the executable to look like the icon of a text file or an image, and everybody would be fooled."

Images on his blog, which was written when the near-final Windows 7 Release Candidate went public, show a 176k executable (.exe) file renamed 'horrible_malware_text'. Windows Explorer did not render the file as an exe, but as a plain text file.

The Release Candidate - which is in the final stages of testing and has not yet had a firm release date announced - is available for download from Microsoft's Windows 7 site.

(NZHerald)

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Zhang Fei

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That is seriously lame. You'd think after this many Windows iterations, they'd have figured out that less information about the stuff on your computer is not the way to go. For some weird reason, Mac users haven't really been subjected to anywhere near this number of virus infestations. I don't really understand why, given that so many Mac users lack anti-virus software, whereas PC users are all loaded up with it.

A41202813GMAIL

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« Reply #2 on: 18. November 2017., 01:35:56 »
Stupid Companies Never Learn - Treating Users Like Children.

---

THURSDAY, MAY 4 2000 - A Day I Will Never Forget Because Of ILOVEYOU, One Of The Worst MalWares Ever Used.

I Was Working Then In A 4+ Years Outsourcing Project For A Bank In One Of Their Main Offices.

That Morning I Was One Of The Very Few Lucky World Victims:

A - Whenever I Received An Email With An Attachment,

B - I Always Saved The Attachment For Later Viewing,

C - Of Course, Later Viewing Never Came, Because Soon After ( B ), All Hell Had Broken Loose Around Me.

---

Stupid Companies.

---

Benjamin Lucas

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You can continue to use your PC with Windows 7, but without ongoing software and security updates, you're at a higher risk of viruses and malware. “Going forward, Windows 10 is the best way to stay safe. publix passport login

Peter Kyle

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You may be using an outdated or corrupted graphics driver. System files like https://bestwritingsclues.com/reviews/trustmypaper-review/ on your PC may be corrupted or mismatched with other files. Your PC may be infected with a virus or malware. Windows Explorer may stop working due to some applications or services running on your PC.



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russell

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Windows 7 still allows you to use your computer, but without regular software and security updates, you run the risk of getting viruses and malware. For the foreseeable future, Windows 10 is the safest option. cookie clicker

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