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Hack Tool for Windows Live Messenger is Malware

Attackers are taking advantage of a tool that makes it possible to seize accounts of Windows Live and capture passwords of Windows Live Messenger to disseminate malicious software.

BitDefender, an anti-virus software firm, states that HackMSN.exe contaminates users' computers with malicious code in addition to letting them retrieve passwords for Windows Live, as reported by SoftPedia on June 1, 2010.

The reports reveal that attackers use a social engineering trick to get innocent computer users load a 'Backdoor' Trojan on their systems so that their sensitive and confidential data can be grabbed.

BitDefender states that the hack tool for Windows Live Messenger is spreading through an e-mail scam. This scam involves a message specially crafted for spreading Backdoor.Bifrose.AADY and HackMSN.exe.

The message informs that there is a tool named Windows Live Messenger Password Recovery, which can be used for retrieving forgotten/lost passwords of people using Windows Live Mail, Windows Live Messenger, MSN Messenger and Windows Messenger. But it is used for persuading users to execute HackMSN.exe on their computers and let attackers to compromise the systems with malware.

This malware has been identified by BitDefender as Backdoor.Bifrose.AADY that works on Windows computers. The malicious software places itself inside explorer.exe and introduces a backdoor for illegitimate access to the infected system and for its overall control by an unauthorized user.

Ioana Jelea, Security Researcher at BitDefender, stated that Backdoor.Bifrose.AADY tried to intercept the serial numbers and keys of the different software programs loaded on the affected PC. It entered the passwords into the victim's instant messaging software ICQ, POP3 mail accounts, protected storage and Messenger, the researcher added, as reported by SoftPedia on June 1, 2010.

A scam seeking to distribute malware of this kind has occurred previously too. During the 1st week of April 2010, BitDefender spotted an e-mail campaign which directed users of iPad to download the most recent edition of the iTunes program on their computers, contending that it was the initial step for obtaining the iPad's update. However, the download process resulted in a backdoor on the systems.

Related article: Hack.Huigezi Virus Attacks China PCs Rapidly

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