Cybercriminals frequently take advantage of any flaws in the victim’s operating system (OS) or application software, allowing a net worm or Trojan virus to infiltrate and launch itself on the victim’s computer.
What is the definition of a vulnerability?
A vulnerability is essentially a flaw in the OS or application software’s code or logic of operation. It’s tough for a vendor’s development team to generate software that is error-free because today’s OSs and apps are complicated and incorporate a lot of functionality.
Unfortunately, there is no lack of virus writers and cybercriminals willing to put in the time and effort to figure out how they may profit from exploiting any vulnerability – before the manufacturer fixes it with a software patch.
The following are examples of common vulnerabilities:
- Vulnerabilities in applications
The Nimda and Aliz email worms took use of flaws in Microsoft Outlook. The worm file was activated when the victim opened an infected mail – or merely placed their cursor over the message in the preview window. - Vulnerabilities in the operating system (OS)
The worms CodeRed, Sasser, Slammer, and Lovesan (Blaster) exploited weaknesses in the Windows operating system, whilst the Ramen and Slapper worms infiltrated computers through flaws in the Linux operating system and several Linux applications.
Exploiting flaws in Internet browsers
Malicious code distribution via web pages has recently become one of the most common malware installation tactics. A web page is infected with an infected file and a script application that exploits the browser’s vulnerability. When a user views the page, the script programme uses the browser’s vulnerability to download and run the infected file onto the user’s machine. The malware writer will use a variety of tactics to entice users to the web page in order to infect as many devices as possible:
- Sending spam letters containing the infected page’s address
- Using instant messaging platforms to send messages
- Via search engines — search engines process the content on an infected page, and the link to the page is subsequently included in search result lists.
Creating a barrier against Trojan virus infections
Small Trojans will also be used by cybercriminals to download and activate bigger Trojan malware. The little Trojan virus will get access to the user’s machine through a weakness, for example, and then download and install more dangerous components from the Internet. To make it simpler for other Trojans to be downloaded, many Trojans will modify the browser’s settings to the browser’s least secure option.
The problem has prompted software developers and antivirus companies to respond.
Unfortunately, the time it takes for a new vulnerability to be discovered and exploited by worms and Trojan viruses is getting shorter and shorter. Both software producers and antivirus businesses have difficulties as a result of this:
- The programme or operating system providers must correct their error as quickly as feasible — by creating a software patch, testing it, and making it available to consumers.
- Antivirus providers must act quickly to develop a solution that identifies and stops the files, network packets, or other items that are utilised to exploit the flaw.
” This blog offers generic information. By no means, it is professional advice. The information aforementioned is believed to be factually correct. The information provided is solely based on the author’s judgment and is subject to change. This is not endorsed by any 3rd parties or other brands.”
Article Credits –
kaspersky.com
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