Is it safe to open a .scr attachment in an email?

BajaNick · 09-03-2003, 09:33 PM

Is it safe to open a .scr attachment in an email on my Linux box?, I would think it would be but i want to be sure.

fancypiper · 09-03-2003, 09:41 PM

I do.

The poor things just won't do it's dirty work in Linux.

Travis86 · 09-03-2003, 10:00 PM

From what I understand an .scr is pretty much an .exe. I would think it is the extention of choice for virus writers since you can't send .exe's though e-mail.

However, if you use an uncommon mail program, an uncommon OS, and maybe an uncommon architecture, there isn't much chance you could be infected or spread it on to other people. There is a chance, though. Don't throw caution to the wind.

BajaNick · 09-03-2003, 10:03 PM

I opened all 3 and they all say " w32.Sobig.F@oom found ", but i didnt download the files. Im thinking about sending them back a message saying " I use Linux, Nice try " hehe

fancypiper · 09-03-2003, 10:05 PM

I am paranoid, so I forward it to a throwaway user account and open it there. None I opened were ever marked executable, so they were just strange stuff my mail client couldn't display/view.

BajaNick · 09-03-2003, 10:11 PM

After i opend the attachments it was caught by norton antivirus cuz yahoo uses norton before you can actually download the file then you are given the option of downloading the files. I didnt download them but I am curious if they could be usefull in the future. LOL Just kidding

Travis86 · 09-03-2003, 10:15 PM

BajaNick:

You'd probably be replying to one of your Windows-using acquaintances. I don't think your boss or your mother or whoever would appreciate being accused of trying to send you a virus.

If you did reply to the virus writer, he'd just send you the Linux version (if he's made one).

fancypiper · 09-03-2003, 10:20 PM

He would have to be pretty smart and there would have to be a stupid Linux user to exploit.

The ELF Virus Writing HOWTO

BajaNick · 09-03-2003, 10:26 PM

OOHHH i know how i received these. I just rememberd i had to use my Email address to put an ad online for something i was selling last week, thats probably how my email address was found. It dosnt really matter though. I dont use email on my Windows box.

jon_k · 09-04-2003, 12:02 AM

It would be safe if it would open. But it won't. Linux does not reconize .scr unless you do it through WINE. But if you did it through wine you'd infect wine with the virus (and it may affect wines performance, and the LINUX systems performance if wine is running at the time.)

Point being, why would you want to open one if you know its a virus.

Heh. You think it may be a legitimate screensaver or something?

SIDE NOTE: .SCR is a file extension for "Screensavers" on Microsoft(TM) Windows(©)

BajaNick · 09-04-2003, 10:04 AM

I done use wine. I didnt download them i just opened the attachments.