Linux Worm attacks continue despite warnings

Red Hat has posted a patch on its Web site after it emerged that the latest version of Linux, release 5, has been found to be susceptible to attack from a Worm virus. The Worm targets ISPs' Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP) servers running Intel-based hardware controlled by Linux. It subverts essential components of the OS from which it can attack other networks while remaining hidden from the system administrator. The patch fixes the server's security weakness that allows the Worm to enter the system, and is built into the latest release of the OS, version 5.2. Hackers have been increasing their attempts to spread the Worm ever since details of the problem emerged in June thanks to work conducted by Carnegie Mellon University's Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT). Most of the current crop of Worm-based attacks appear to come from other major US educational centres, used as relay points. ®