VLamiX

Classification

Category:

Malware

Type:

Virus

Platform:

W32

Aliases:

VLamiX, Die_Lamer

Summary

The VLamiX virus spread through BBS systems in August 1994 in an archive called A30!PWA.ZIP. The archive was supposed to contain the version 3.0 of the popular ARJ archiver. Robert Jung, the author of ARJ, confirmed that ARJ 3.0 has not been released.

Removal

Automatic action

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.

Suspect a file is incorrectly detected (a False Positive)?

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 detection database 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.

For more Support

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Submit a sample

Submit a file or URL for further analysis.

Technical Details

VLamiX is a simple resident file virus; it infects EXE files when they are opened, and appends an encrypted copy of itself. It uses a simple encryption routine with a 16-bit decryption key which changes between infections. However, the decryption routine does not change and it makes the virus easy to spot.

The virus contains several bugs. It often manages to corrupt files irreparably instead of infecting them.

The name VLamiX is taken from a text string found underneath an encryption layer:

smartc*.cps

chklist.*

-=*@DIE_LAMER@*=-

CHKLIST ???

CHKLIST.CPS

VLamiX-1

VLamiX attacks CPAV and MSAV by deleting their checksum files. It also activates when it sees the text -=*@DIE_LAMER@*=- on-screen. At that time, it will overwrite a floppy in the B: drive, if such exists.