Cisco Security Intelligence Operations has detected significant activity related to spam e-mail messages that claim to contain a fake LinkedIn contact request for the recipient. The e-mail message contains a malicious link that, if followed by the recipient, attempts to install malicious software on the recipient's system without the user's knowledge.
The following text is a sample of the e-mail message that is associated with this threat outbreak:
Subject: LinkedIn alert
Message Body:
LinkedIn
REMINDERS
Invitation reminders:
From Pedro Vaughan (Friend)
PENDING MESSGAGES:
There are a total of 2 messages awaiting your response. Visit your InBox now.
Don't want to receive e-mail notifications? Adjust your message settings.
LinkedIn values your privacy. At no time LinkedIn made your e-mail address available to any other LinkedIn user without your permission. 2010, LinkedIn Corporation.
The malware associated with this threat belongs to the Zeus data theft malware family. This malware embeds itself in the user's web browser when the malicious link is followed. After embedding, this malware could perform malicious actions, such as stealing the user's online banking credentials.
Cisco Security Intelligence Operations analysts examine real-world e-mail traffic data that is collected from over 100,000 contributing organizations worldwide. This data helps provide a range of information about and analysis of global e-mail security threats and trends. Cisco will continue to monitor this threat and automatically adapt IronPort systems to protect customers. This report will be updated if there are significant changes or if the risk to end users increases.
Cisco IronPort Virus Outbreak Filters protect customers during the critical period between the first exploit of a virus outbreak and the release of vendor antivirus signatures. E-mail that is managed by Cisco and end users who are protected by Cisco IronPort web security appliances will not be impacted by these attacks. Cisco IronPort appliances are automatically updated to prevent both spam e-mail and hostile web URLs from being passed to the end user.
Related Links
Cisco Security Intelligence Operations
Cisco Threat Operations Center
Cisco SenderBase Security Network
