Close
  • Latest News
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Video
  • Big Data and Analytics
  • Cloud
  • Networking
  • Cybersecurity
  • Applications
  • IT Management
  • Storage
  • Sponsored
  • Mobile
  • Small Business
  • Development
  • Database
  • Servers
  • Android
  • Apple
  • Innovation
  • Blogs
  • PC Hardware
  • Reviews
  • Search Engines
  • Virtualization
Read Down
Sign in
Close
Welcome!Log into your account
Forgot your password?
Read Down
Password recovery
Recover your password
Close
Search
Logo
Logo
  • Latest News
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Video
  • Big Data and Analytics
  • Cloud
  • Networking
  • Cybersecurity
  • Applications
  • IT Management
  • Storage
  • Sponsored
  • Mobile
  • Small Business
  • Development
  • Database
  • Servers
  • Android
  • Apple
  • Innovation
  • Blogs
  • PC Hardware
  • Reviews
  • Search Engines
  • Virtualization
More
    Home Cybersecurity
    • Cybersecurity

    Trojan Targets Unpatched Windows Flaw

    Written by

    Ryan Naraine
    Published September 30, 2005
    Share
    Facebook
    Twitter
    Linkedin

      eWEEK content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More.

      Virus writers are actively exploiting a security vulnerability in the Microsoft Jet Database Engine that remains unpatched more than five months after it was first reported to the software giant.

      The mail-borne exploit, which camouflages itself as a Microsoft Access file, infects Windows machines through a “highly critical” flaw in the Microsoft Jet database engine—the lightweight database widely used by applications such as Microsoft Office 2000, Office 2003, Access 2000 and Access 2003.

      The vulnerability—along with proof-of-concept exploits—was first reported to Microsoft in March along with a warning that it could be used by malicious hackers to take complete control of a victims computer.

      Microsoft has never publicly acknowledged the existence of the bug, which affects fully patched systems with Microsoft Access 2003 and Microsoft Windows XP, including Service Pack 2.

      However, according to an advisory from Symantec Corp.s security response unit, the unpatched hole is being exploited to drop a malicious Trojan horse identified as “Backdoor.Hesive.”

      The exploit has been discovered in the wild. Symantec rates the distribution of the Trojan as “low” but warned that the potential for damage is significant.

      At immediate risk at users of Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Server 2003.

      The Trojan opens a back door on the compromised computer to allow a remote attacker unauthorized access. These types of malware are typically used to seed botnets for use as spam zombies and to launch spyware installation attacks.

      /zimages/3/28571.gifClick here to read about botnet hunters searching for command and control servers.

      A botnet is a collection of computers that have been hijacked by malicious hackers and controlled remotely via IRC (Inter Relay Chat) channels. Virus hunters have long warned the sophisticated hacking techniques are being used by botnet owners to maintain control of zombie drones and the latest exploit of an unpatched Windows flaw comes as no surprise.

      The immediate fear is that a major spam attack could be launched with tainted Microsoft Access database e-mail attachments. Since those file types are mostly considered safe, most anti-virus engines may allow the virus through mail servers.

      Officials at the Redmond, Wash-based software maker did not respond to queries at press time.

      The Microsoft Jet Engine DB flaw, which was reported to Microsoft back in May, is described as a memory handling error when parsing database files. This can be exploited to execute arbitrary code by tricking a user into opening a specially crafted “.mdb” file in Microsoft Access.

      The problem exists in “msjet40.dll,” the main component of the Microsoft Jet Database Engine, which evaluates and carries out requests for data.

      An advisory from HexView Security Research and Assessment, said instances where file data was not properly validated could cause system crashes, null pointer memory access conditions, and arbitrary code execution.

      “Sufficient data validation is not performed when msjet40.dll parses the database file. As a result, it is possible to modify database file to cause a code of attackers choice to be launched when MS Jet database is opened,” the company warned in an alert.

      Only software products that utilize “msjet40.dll” are affected. HexView said Microsoft was notified of the vulnerability on March 30, 2005, but an acknowledgement only came in the form of an automated reply. “No human response was received,” according to HexView.

      In the absence of a patch from Microsoft, Secunia recommends that users avoid opening untrusted “.mdb” database files.

      Symantec has posted removal instructions for “Backdoor.Hesive.” Windows users are always advised to be wary of e-mail attachments, regardless of the file type.

      /zimages/3/28571.gifCheck out eWEEK.coms for the latest security news, reviews and analysis. And for insights on security coverage around the Web, take a look at eWEEK.com Security Center Editor Larry Seltzers Weblog.

      Ryan Naraine
      Ryan Naraine

      Get the Free Newsletter!

      Subscribe to Daily Tech Insider for top news, trends & analysis

      Get the Free Newsletter!

      Subscribe to Daily Tech Insider for top news, trends & analysis

      MOST POPULAR ARTICLES

      Artificial Intelligence

      9 Best AI 3D Generators You Need...

      Sam Rinko - June 25, 2024 0
      AI 3D Generators are powerful tools for many different industries. Discover the best AI 3D Generators, and learn which is best for your specific use case.
      Read more
      Cloud

      RingCentral Expands Its Collaboration Platform

      Zeus Kerravala - November 22, 2023 0
      RingCentral adds AI-enabled contact center and hybrid event products to its suite of collaboration services.
      Read more
      Artificial Intelligence

      8 Best AI Data Analytics Software &...

      Aminu Abdullahi - January 18, 2024 0
      Learn the top AI data analytics software to use. Compare AI data analytics solutions & features to make the best choice for your business.
      Read more
      Latest News

      Zeus Kerravala on Networking: Multicloud, 5G, and...

      James Maguire - December 16, 2022 0
      I spoke with Zeus Kerravala, industry analyst at ZK Research, about the rapid changes in enterprise networking, as tech advances and digital transformation prompt...
      Read more
      Video

      Datadog President Amit Agarwal on Trends in...

      James Maguire - November 11, 2022 0
      I spoke with Amit Agarwal, President of Datadog, about infrastructure observability, from current trends to key challenges to the future of this rapidly growing...
      Read more
      Logo

      eWeek has the latest technology news and analysis, buying guides, and product reviews for IT professionals and technology buyers. The site’s focus is on innovative solutions and covering in-depth technical content. eWeek stays on the cutting edge of technology news and IT trends through interviews and expert analysis. Gain insight from top innovators and thought leaders in the fields of IT, business, enterprise software, startups, and more.

      Facebook
      Linkedin
      RSS
      Twitter
      Youtube

      Advertisers

      Advertise with TechnologyAdvice on eWeek and our other IT-focused platforms.

      Advertise with Us

      Menu

      • About eWeek
      • Subscribe to our Newsletter
      • Latest News

      Our Brands

      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms
      • About
      • Contact
      • Advertise
      • Sitemap
      • California – Do Not Sell My Information

      Property of TechnologyAdvice.
      © 2024 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

      Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.

      ×