A new virus, dubbed W32/Perrun, is the world's first virus to
infect files with the extension .JPG, an extension used for image
files, according to an alert yesterday from security firm Network
Associates. The company says that the worm presents only a limited
threat to consumers and businesses.
W32/Perrun, also known as Perrun, comes in two parts. One file
executes the virus body which is contained in another infected JPEG
file or a file with a .JPG file extension. The virus arrives in the
form of an executable, or .EXE file. Infected JPEGs are unable to
replicate on non-infected machines – i.e. machines without the
extractor component installed. There is no mass-mailing component
and the code is not triggered unless a .EXE file is opened – i.e.
there is no risk in opening a JPEG file.
Network Associates says that the virus “is a proof of concept
and it has not been seen in the wild.” The virus would need some
basic developments to pose a serious threat.
