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Linux/Bliss

Classification

Category:

Malware

Platform:

Linux

Type:

Virus

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

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.

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