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 Fizzer (F-Secure)
I-Worm.Fizzer (Kaspersky Lab)
W32/Fizzer@MM (McAfee Security)
W32/Fizzer-A (Sophos)
W32.HLLW.Fizzer@mm (Symantec)
Win32.Fizzer (Computer Associates)
WORM_FIZZER.A (Trend Micro)
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A recently discovered computer worm is spreading fast, posing significant danger to both corporate and home PC users.
Fizzer, which surfaced on May 8, is a large (236 KB) and extraordinarily complex virus, which employs multiple methods to spread and infect computer systems. The worm replicates itself by e-mail, sending messages to Windows Address Book entries and randomly generated addresses at major free e-mail service providers, including Hotmail and Yahoo! Mail, but may also disseminate via IRC, AOL Instant Messenger and the Kazaa file-sharing network.
After penetrating Windows-running PCs, Fizzer attempts to terminate and remove antivirus software, exposing systems to infection from other malware programs. Adding to its sophistication, a basic HTTP server, a remote access server, a keylogging feature and a self-updating mechanism allow the worm to provide unauthorized access to external attackers and potentially upgrade its code to avoid detection.
On Monday, Helsinki-based antivirus software maker F-Secure declared Fizzer "one of the most widespread viruses in the world," but other security solutions providers assessed the threat as moderate. None, however, ruled out an expansion of the outbreak.
Svetlozar Online urges all users to immediately apply all necessary updates to their antivirus software to protect from Fizzer infection.
