Linux/Bliss

Classification

Category :

Malware

Type :

Virus

Platform :

Linux

Aliases :

Linux/Bliss, Bliss, Linux virus, Unix virus, HLLO.17892

Summary

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).

Removal

Based on the settings of your F-Secure security product, it will either move the file to the quarantine where it cannot spread or cause harm, or remove it.

A False Positive is when a file is incorrectly detected as harmful, usually because its code or behavior resembles known harmful programs. A False Positive will usually be fixed in a subsequent database update without any action needed on your part. If you wish, you may also:

  • Check for the latest database updates

    First check if your F-Secure security program is using the latest updates, then try scanning the file again.

  • Submit a sample

    After checking, if you still believe the file is incorrectly detected, you can submit a sample of it for re-analysis.

    Note: If the file was moved to quarantine, you need to collect the file from quarantine before you can submit it.

  • Exclude a file from further scanning

    If you are certain that the file is safe and want to continue using it, you can exclude it from further scanning by the F-Secure security product.

    Note: You need administrative rights to change the settings.

Technical Details

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

Bliss does contain potentionally harmful code, but it is unclear if this is executed or not.

Bliss can be detected by searching all binaries for the following hex search string:

E8ABD8FFFFC20000363465643134373130363532

Bliss will disinfect itself if an infected binary is executed with the --bliss-disinfect-files-please switch.