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Botnet creators AIM high

Pipeline

A new worm spreading over AOL Instant Messenger seeks to built a botnet of zombie Windows PCs. The Pipeline worm packs an executable file disguised as a JPEG, which if executed, tries to download other strains of malware rootkits and Trojans. Pipeline uses the AIM Buddy List on infected computers to target other prospective marks.

Like many instant messaging worms, Pipeline appears as an instant message from a familiar contact, luring users into visiting malware-infested websites. The IM message “hey would it okay if i upload this picture of you to my blog?” downloads a hostile file called image18.com, disguised as a JPEG. Running the file results in infection.

Once compromised, infected PCs join a botnet under the control of hackers, who may use it for malign purposes include relaying spam, performing distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks or committing click fraud. Hackers can also gain access to personal data stored on infected PCs.

The botnet established by Pipeline is sophisticated, according to researchers with IM security firm FaceTime. Features include the ability to authorise only specific IRC clients to log in and manipulate the botnet. The Pipeline worm is different from most previous IM worms because it features multiple waves of attack.

Chris Boyd, director of malware research for FaceTime Security Labs, said: "Previous IM attacks have tended to focus on the damage done by the files, with little thought on the method of delivery, save for the quickest way to get those files onto a PC. Here, the motivation for the bad guys seems to be in lining up as many 'install chains' as possible to insure a consistent pipeline that can be controlled by their rogue botnet." ®

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