Flame malware extinguished by creators
updated 06:56 pm EDT, Fri June 8, 2012
Code auto-uninstalls using newly-sent command
The originators of the accidentally-discovered Flame malware may have sent commands to the controlled machines to delete and overwrite itself. Interestingly, rather than use a pre-existing command in the code, aptly titled SUICIDE, the controllers sent a whole new directive file that assisted in the auto-uninstallation.
Symantec reports compromised computers were sent a file called browse32.ocx, which contains a list of files to delete without leaving any trace of the original infection. It is unknown why the new command was sent, rather than the utilization of the already extant component in the Flame code. The specific list of files deleted can be found on the Symantec webpage.
Flame was accidentally discovered while another malware threat was being investigated. Microsoft released a high-priority update and security advisory after parts of the Flame malware were found to be signed with reverse-engineered Microsoft Root Authority certificates.
