Symantec has sent word regarding a worm that sends out spam e-mails with the subject "Remembering Michael Jackson" and an attachment named "Michael songs and pictures.zip." The .zip file contains another file called "MichaelJacksonsongsandpictures.doc.exe," which is the actual badware.

Users clicking it hoping to see songs and pictures of the late MJ will in fact execute the worm known as W32.Ackantta.F@mm.

Symantec reports that W32.Ackantta.F@mm spreads not only through e-mail but also via removable drives using autorun.inf.

Symantec Threat Assessment

Wild

Wild Level: Low
Number of Infections: 0 - 49
Number of Sites: 0 - 2
Geographical Distribution: Low
Threat Containment: Easy
Removal: Easy

Damage

Damage Level: High
Payload: Downloads potentially malicious files from the Internet.
Large Scale E-mailing: Sends out emails with a copy of itself as an attachment.
Compromises Security Settings: Attempts to bypass the Windows Firewall.

Distribution

Distribution Level: High
Subject of Email: Remembering Michael Jackson
Name of Attachment: Michael songs and pictures.zip
Size of Attachment: Varies
Shared Drives: Attempts to spread through removable drives.

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