‘Proof of concept’ virus for iPods running Linux
Kaspersky Labs has ‘discovered’ that it is theoretically possible to infect Linux iPods with a virus. The amusing fact about the discovery is:
Podlosco cannot be launched without user involvement.
Once launched, the Podlosco virus scans the device’s hard disk and infects all executable .elf format files. Any attempt to launch these files will result in the virus to display a message on the screen, which reads “You are infected with Oslo the first iPodLinux Virus”.
What I fail to fathom is how on earth does creating an executable which infects other executable to display a message classify as a ‘discovery’? If that can be called a virus, here’s a much simpler one:
echo "You're being infected with the Idiotisco, the second most stupid Linux virus"
rm -rf ~
The Idiotisco virus is a ‘proof of concept’ that any moron running Linux can set executable bit on a file and run it to damage his system.
Disclaimer: The source code of Idiotisco virus is disclosed only for educational purposes. I will not be held responsible if it makes your system bleed or gets you fired from your job.
Tags: Idiotisco, iPod, iPodLinux, Kaspersky, Linux, Open Source, Oslo, Podlosco, Sarcasm, Technology
wow a virus that prints texts only. what a plain “virus” I thought viruses would clone itself and delte files etc. Luckly I don’t have Ipod or I wouldnt care if I had Ipod and got infected by that stupid s***.
Comment by angq — April 6, 2007 @ 2:32 pm
This doesn’t really sound like news to me.
It’s theoretically possible to run malicious code on anything. Kaspersky I think are just trying to make a song and dance to sell more antivirus products.
I agree with you – it’s by no means a discovery at all. If that’s the best discovery Kaspersky can make, then it doesn’t give me confidence to go out and buy their products. Not that I personally have a lot of use for them.
This PR stunt didn’t work on me.
Comment by Peter Upfold — April 6, 2007 @ 2:51 pm
I always prefer to use Kasperky over Avast or McAfee. Kaspersky is much better in detecting new viruses and it does not consume too much resources on your dektop PC.:.-
Comment by Holly Martin — May 1, 2010 @ 6:01 am