Date: Mon, 29 Mar 1999 19:53:08 -0800
Reply-To: Doug Jones <duge4wd@EMAIL.MSN.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Doug Jones <duge4wd@EMAIL.MSN.COM>
Subject: OTP: WARNING-Email Worms
Sorry for this off-topic email; but, in case some of you do not know
already,...there appear to be more email worm type viruses out there.
They go under the names of "Melissa" and "pappa." Melissa is a Word macro
virus, and pappa utililzes Excel. Opening the attached .doc or .xls files
will allow the virus to access your email program, and your address book.
More insidious than Happy99, it will send out copies of itself to the first
50 addressees listed within your address book.
Following is a warning I received on Melissa:
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
27 March 1999: New Virus Spreading Rapidly
A Microsoft Word macro virus affecting machines with Microsoft Word 97 or
Word2000 is spreading rapidly via email attachments. Although it exploits no
new vulnerabilities, it can send copies of your documents
to the first 50 entries in the Microsoft Outlook address book if Outlook is
installed. Those infected so far report noticeable network degradation when
the virus hits. Those copies are also infected attachments that continue to
spread the virus. [Editor's Note: If your users never worried about Word
macros before, this is a good time to raise their awareness and have them
follow the instructions in the CERT advisory.]
Ref: http://www.cert.org/advisories/CA-99-04-Melissa-Macro-Virus.html
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Network Associates also has information on Melissa:
http://www.avertlabs.com/public/datafiles/valerts/vinfo/melissa.asp
Again, sorry for the off topic email. No flames please, this is not a hoax.
DO NOT open any attachment under any circumstances unless it is one you
specifically requested from the sender!!! Even if it comes from a friend;
Email them to ascertain the validity of the attachment.
Sorry to bother everyone; but, there is a fair amount of traffic here from
all parts of the globe. Let's be part of the solution rather than part of
the problem.
Doug Jones
