Web server worm threatens Linux systems

A new worm that propagates by exploiting security vulnerabilities in web server software is attacking Linux systems, antivirus companies warned on Monday.

The worm spreads by exploiting web servers that host susceptible scripts at specific locations, according to antivirus software maker McAfee, which has named the worm "Lupper".

Lupper blindly attacks web servers, installing and executing a copy of the worm when a vulnerable server is found, McAfee said in its description of the worm.

A backdoor is installed on infected servers, giving the attacker remote control over the system. The server joins a network of compromised systems, which can be used, for example, in attacks against other computers, according to McAfee.

The worm exploits three vulnerabilities to propagate the XML-RPC for PHP Remote Code Injection vulnerability; AWStats Rawlog Plugin Logfile Parameter Input Validation vulnerability; and Darryl Burgdorf's Webhints Remote Command Execution Vulnerability, according to Symantec's online description of the worm.

The XML-RPC flaw affects blogging, wiki and content management software and was discovered earlier this year. Patches are available for most systems. AWStats is a log analyser tool; a fix for the flaw has been available since February. Darryl Burgdorf's Webhints is a hint generation script; no fixes are available for the script, according to Symantec's DeepSight Alert Services.

McAfee rates Lupper as low risk. Symantec, which calls the worm "Plupii", rates it medium risk but notes that the worm has not been widely distributed. The Sans Internet Storm Center, which tracks network threats, reports some worm sightings.

McAfee and Symantec have updated their products to protect against the worm. If a system has been infected, Symantec recommends complete reinstallation of the system because it will be difficult to determine what else the computer has been exposed to, the company said.

Joris Evers writes for CNET News.com