Dasher-B Worm Exploits Microsoft Security Vulnerability On Windows 2000 Pcs, Sophos Reports

Experts at SophosLabs, Sophos’s global network of virus, spyware and spam analysis centres, have warned computer users about a new worm which exploits a recently discovered critical security vulnerability in Microsoft’s software. Sophos is advising users to ensure their anti-virus protection and security patches are up-to-date to protect against attacks.

The Dasher-B worm exploits a vulnerability in Microsoft Windows Distributed Transaction Coordinator (MSDTC) first announced by Microsoft in October. The worm opens a backdoor on vulnerable computers and causes them to connect to a remote server for further instructions. Windows 2000 computers which have not been patched are most at risk from the worm.

“The Dasher worm wouldn’t be able to spread at all if the security vulnerability in Microsoft’s software didn’t exist. It’s important that all companies have a mechanism for rolling out security patches, as well as for automatically updating their anti-virus software,” said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos. “Microsoft will be fuming that a virus writer is successfully exploiting another vulnerability in its operating system.”

Microsoft has published details of the vulnerability and made patches available on its website at: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS05-051.mspx

Sophos noted in October, however, that some users were reported to have experienced difficulties with Microsoft’s fix.

“The worry is that the problems with the patch may have prevented it from being successfully rolled out onto some vulnerable computers,” continued Cluley.

Sophos recommends companies protect their email with a consolidated solution to thwart the virus and spam threats and secure their desktops and servers with automatically updated anti-virus protection, the latest security patches, and properly configured firewalls.