LimeWire & Internet Explorer

highlight · #1 (**permalink**) November 12th, 2007

Hi

Can anyone tell me what's going on when you click on a file and as soon as you press download Internet Explorer pops up?

I though it was just an advert or something but I think I caught a glimpse of .exe in the address bar at which point I immediately closed my browser! Did not give the page time to load and my up-to-date virus scanner and firewall did not detect anything suspicious.

Never had anything like this happen before. Would appreciate if anyone can shed some light on what is was.

Thanks.

wondering why · #2 (**permalink**) November 13th, 2007

Doesn't sound to good...
Just to be safe I would visit one of these sites and get the guys there to check it out...

Bleeping Computer - Computer Help and Discussion
Spyware Warrior :: Index

ukbobboy01 · #3 (**permalink**) November 13th, 2007

Highlight (& WW)

You said:

Quote:

Can anyone tell me what's going on when you click on a file and as soon as you press download Internet Explorer pops up?

I can answer your question, they are fake files planted by spammers as cheap adverts.

You see, when you try to download one of these fake files, and there are hundreds (probably thousands) of them, they "jack" your default browser and take you to a s****y website.

Now, I have configured my Opera browser to no longer react to the commands issued by these "files" and I also believe "Firefox" can also be configured not to react. However, I am not sure that IE6.0 can be set to resist these fake commands, also at the moment there is no sure fire way of spotting one of these files until your browser either fails to react (like mine) or reacts (like yours).

UK Bob

highlight · #4 (**permalink**) November 13th, 2007

WW and Bob

More of a nuisance than a real concern then...
ok, thanks for your help.

ukbobboy01 · #5 (**permalink**) November 15th, 2007

Well Highlight

Yes, these fake files and their "jacking" commands are just a nuisance now but they are "proof of concept", i.e. it can be done. This also means that once your browser is no longer in your control, no matter how briefly, something (anything) can also be loaded onto your PC, like replacing your browsers home page (which has happened to me at work - the tech boys had to reformat my HD) or planting a virus/malware on your computer.

All I am saying is that any successful attack on your PC is a cause for concern.

UK Bob