On Fri, 22 Jan 1999 [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> To Whom,
>
> At present, what are the virus and security programs for Linux. If
> possible, please list all the available/dependable and cost/non-costly?
Virus
hmm... developing a real virus for linux it's quite difficult ;-) IMHO
for many reasons
. filename permission
. number (and different structure) of Linux executables file's formats
. multitasking do not allow a virus to take all CPU resources
( if a ``virus'' try to do it the kernel decrease it's priority on
execution)
. a ``virus'' cant take all the memory, infact you can set the max amount
of memory that can be used by a process
. it can't fill all your disk because quota set the max disk space for
each user
. it can't try to format a disk because in Unix also disks are files, with
filename permission
. in a Unix system a program can't stay in memory; Linux allow this
with modules but you must be root
. it's very difficult for a program crash others
. usally all software for Linux it's free; however if not it's easy get
the source code
. you can always check the integrity of a package validating the signature
distributed with it
(of course if you un programs as root everything became easier for a
`virus')
there are only two virus for Linux
the first one is called Bliss (not really dangerous)
and the second is Stoag that can infect ELF binaries in a box that run
with kernel 1.2.13
of course there are many troian horses around ... in these days was found
one in a modified tcp_wrapper
i don't think it's possible list all security issues in a single mail
anyway... there are more sites and ml with a lot of papers and tutorials
about the different aspects of security
ciao
alfonso
"Software is like sex; it's better when it's free" - Linus Torvalds -
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