It is a bad worm, yes, and it's taking advantage of a problem that many linux users (but doubtfully the ones on PM have) and that's the lack of updating critical software. The worm's based off a bug found in January for the so-called Raman worm which had to be used in conjunction with wuftpd and one other client, and affect all versions of BIND except the most recent, 8.2.3 (non-beta). Nearly all major *nux vendors had patches out the same day, but quotes estimate that maybe only 50 to 75% of those running *nix took this necessary step.

This worm is using the exact same exploit, delievering a much deadlier protocol since it basically sticks a root kit on the affected box. And it's exploiting the fact that some *nix installs NEVER get patched for security holes (one article I read says that 20% of the internet is affected because of the number of *nix-based servers that have old BIND versions. But this is why I don't think most PM-ers will be affected, because we are computer professionals and know the value of security patches :D.

(Of course, the other trick besides patching is to stick the bind process behind a different user besides root, which means that a would-be attacker would not be able to root-kit your machine.)

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Dr. Michael K. Neylon - mneylon-pm@masemware.com || "You've left the lens cap of your mind on again, Pinky" - The Brain