O97M.Cybernet.Gen

O97M.Cybernet.Gen is a polymorphic macro virus that infects Microsoft Word and Excel files. It also has a mass-mailing payload similar to W97M.Melissa.A. On August 17 or December 25, a malicious payload is triggered. Due to a bug in the code, under some circumstances this virus may attach uninfected files to the email messages it sends.

NOTE: The detection for this virus is a generic detection. It is possible that in some variants, some functionality, such as the trigger dates for the payload, will be changed or removed.

Virus definitions dated July 5, 2001, or earlier detect this virus as O97M.CyberNet.A

Protection

• Initial Rapid Release version May 25, 2000
• Latest Rapid Release version May 25, 2000
• Initial Daily Certified version May 25, 2000
• Latest Daily Certified version May 25, 2000
• Initial Weekly Certified release date pending

Click here for a more detailed description of Rapid Release and Daily Certified virus definitions.

Threat Assessment

Wild

• Wild Level: Low
• Number of Infections: 0 - 49
• Number of Sites: 0 - 2
• Geographical Distribution: Low
• Threat Containment: Easy
• Removal: Easy

Damage

• Damage Level: Medium

Distribution

• Distribution Level: Medium