----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Austin Godber" <godber@uberhip.com>
To: <plug-discuss@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us>
Sent: Monday, September 08, 2003 1:23 PM
Subject: Re: OT - Phantom MS Outlook Appointments - worm/virus?


> Thomas Cameron wrote:
> > All -
> >
> > This is not a Linux question - I am just trying to get any observations
from
> > other sysadmins.
> >
> > I just got a call from a client who says that there are suddenly a bunch
of
> > appointments in his Microsoft Outlook calendar (Internet mail only, no
> > Exchange) that he did not put there.  They look like spam.  Things like
> > "Call Joe Blow at XYZ Corp ($645K) (713) 555-1212" and "Call Sally Smith
at
> > PDQ Group ($450K) (803) 555-1212."  The names and numbers appear to be
real,
> > though.  These appointments appear every few days.
> >
> > Anyone seen or heard of this?
>
> Wow,
> I know nothing of this but the implications are mind boggling ...
malicious
> virii that spread spam calendar information, tamper with contact info ...
> consider this form of viral spam:
>
> Virii gets into computer ... replaces valid phone numbers in contact lists
with
> phone numbers for spam items (Viagra ... 9enis enlargement).
>
> I would say this is a significant concern for integrating calendaring,
contact
> info and email.   _shudder_
>
> Scary.
>
> Austin

Yeah, the thing is, I can imagine an ActiveX widget or something similar
which could do this without even trying too hard.  Really scary if it's a
virus or a worm.

TC