F-Secure Virus Descriptions : Linux/Bliss

This virus spreads only under Linux operating system, infecting Elf-style executables. Found in the wild in February 1997, Bliss is the second known Linux virus (first being Staog).

Bliss locates binaries with write access and overwrites them with it's own code. When an infected file is executed, the original program does not gain control at all. However, it is still possible to clean infected files.

Bliss does not try to subvert any additional user rights, but it does have some basic worm-like features, looking for new hosts to infect via the /etc/hosts.equiv file.

Bliss contains several text strings, including:

        dedicated to rkd
        infected by bliss
        skipping, infected with same vers or different type
        replacing older version
        replacing ourselves with newer version
        infect() returning success
        successfully (i hope) disinfected
        rsh%s%s %s 'cat>%s;chmod 777 %s;%s;rm -f %s'
        doing do_worm_stuff()
        /etc/hosts.equiv
        Compiled on Sep 28 1996 at 22:24:03
        Written by electric eel.
        help? hah! read the source!
        bliss was run %d sex ago, rep_wait=%d
        /usr/spool/news
        GCC: (GNU) 2.7.2.l.2