Beware of Fake Microsoft Security Update Email

Barracuda Networks, a security company said that they have spotted a malicious “backdoor” virus. The virus, categorized by Barracuda Central as “Trojan.Backdoor.Haxdoor,” is delivered as an attachment to an email allegedly from the Microsoft Security Assurance team and utilizes several innovative social engineering techniques, such as using Microsoft KnowledgeBase naming conventions for the file attachment, as well as the inclusion of a PGP signature block at the bottom of the email message.  The email informs the recipient that “Microsoft company has recently issued a Security Update for OS Microsoft Windows. The update applies to the following OS versions: Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows Millennium, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows Vista.” Further, the fake email “strongly” recommends that the recipient install a “update” to “protect your computer against security threats and performance problems.”   Once installed, Barracuda Central determined that the malware "phones home," and leaves an outbound TCP connection open presumably to await further instructions.

Stephen Pao, vice president of product management for Barracuda Networks, said

The leverage of the Microsoft name, the inclusion of an apparent PGP signature block - frequently used by security professionals - and the routine nature in which users are accustomed to applying software updates make for a dangerous and potentially effective combination of social engineering techniques in this particular attack.Unsuspecting users without the proper virus protections in place, could mistakenly install the malware.  Based on the volume of real-time blocks reported by the Barracuda Real-Time Protection system in the outbreak’s early stages, we know the attack hit a significant global footprint.

Source : Barracuda Networks Detects and Blocks "Backdoor" Virus Sent via Fake Microsoft Security Update Email

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