Malicious spam emails about airline ticketing and contracts may lead to computer infection - SSO-AD2008-09

15 August 2008

Software and platforms affected

The following operating system platforms:

Windows (any version)

What is the problem?

Various spam emails are circulating which are designed to infect your computer with a program that could steal your passwords and other personal information (identity theft).

The subject lines of the email include, but are not limited to: 

Your flight ticket  N3477031 (actual numbers vary)
E-ticket #4838787232 (actual numbers vary)
Your order N3767459 (actual numbers vary)
Tracking N_9469488079 (actual numbers vary)
Reply to your email of 29 July 2008
Customs Service  A Parcel was received in your name
Contract of settlements
Your new labour contract
Payment confirmation #6922265353017428217 (actual numbers vary)

The airline ticket spam email claims that your credit card has been debited to cover the airline ticket.

The emails all contain a zip file attachment which should not be opened.

What we recommend you do

If you receive an email similar to the above emails, do not open the attachment to the email. Delete the email straight away.

If you have already clicked on the attachment, it is quite possible your computer may now be infected.  It is recommended you seek professional assistance in helping detect and remove the malware.

Make sure you have anti-virus software installed and keep it updated.

Where you can find more information

The following links provide more information about the malicious software in these spam emails:

http://www.marshal.com/trace/traceitem.asp?article=723

Disclaimer

This Advisory has been prepared by AusCERT for the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy.

The information is intended for used by home users and small to medium sized businesses and is general information only and not intended as advice and was accurate and up to date at the time of publishing. The material and information in this Advisory is not adapted to any particular person's circumstances and therefore cannot be relied upon to be of assistance in any particular case. In any important matter, you should seek professional advice relevant to your own circumstances.

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Please note that material in this Advisory, as the case may be, includes views or recommendations of third parties, which do not necessarily reflect the views of the Commonwealth, or indicate its commitment to particular course of action. Material on this site or in this Advisory may also include information provided by third parties. The Commonwealth cannot verify the accuracy of information that has been provided by third parties.

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