RE: Novarg

From: Smith, David (dsmith_at_teamumc.com)
Date: 01/30/04

  • Next message: Jamie Pratt: "Re: new IIS exploit?"
    To: 'Jeremy Hyland' <hylandj@u.washington.edu>, 'Ivan Coric' <ivan.coric@workcoverqld.com.au>, jim@jimz.net, incidents@securityfocus.com
    Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 11:05:28 -0600
    
    

    We block *.zip, *.exe, etc. with little problem. If our user is getting
    mail with a stripped attachment that they need, they will call our help
    desk. It was easy to train our users to tell the sender to change the
    extension on the file to *.txt and provide a note in the body as to what the
    actual extension should be in the body of the letter. They can then save
    the attachment, change the extension, and move forward. We have about 1200
    PC's; it would be worse having to disinfect each one. Users do not bother
    with any of the attachments unless they are really work related. It sure
    cut down on the junk stored on our Exchange server, as well as not having a
    single machine impacted by this latest episode.

    David Smith
    Technical Support Manager
    University Medical Center
    Lubbock, TX 79415
    806-775-9080
     
    -----Original Message-----
    From: Jeremy Hyland [mailto:hylandj@u.washington.edu]
    Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2004 8:58 PM
    To: 'Ivan Coric'; jim@jimz.net; incidents@securityfocus.com
    Subject: RE: Novarg

    I also find limiting all inbound traffic significantly reduces the chances
    of all manner of network security issues, but that doesn't make it a good
    policy.

    The issue here is the classic debate of usability vs. security. Well yeah
    .zip files represent a risk, but they can also be a powerful tool for
    getting work done.

    I'm not about to start recommending .zip files be blocked on my network
    because I know my users need the functionality provided by .zip files. Your
    situation may be very different, and blocking .zip files might be the best
    choice. Either way, I highly recommend that the needs of users be considered
    before usability is curtailed.

    -Jeremy

    Jeremy J. Hyland

    -----Original Message-----
    From: Ivan Coric [mailto:ivan.coric@workcoverqld.com.au]
    Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2004 4:58 PM
    To: jim@jimz.net; incidents@securityfocus.com
    Subject: Re: Novarg

    Hi Jim,
    Maybe you could explain this statement a little better?

    "after all, completely blocking zip files in attachments is a very, very
    sharp double-edged knife."

    We block all 'zip' attachments and have found it excellent way to prevent
    new virus' from entering the network, prior to signatures files being
    released. And that also goes for, .pif, .scr, .exe etc.

    Kind Regards
    Ivan

    Ivan Coric, CISSP
    IT Technical Security Officer
    Information Technology
    WorkCover Queensland
    Ph: (07) 30066414 Fax: (07) 30066424
    Email: ivan.coric@workcoverqld.com.au

    >>> Jim Zajkowski <jim@jimz.net> 01/29/04 04:33am >>>
    I'm waiting for the virus that automatically zips itself with a
    different, random password and e-mails the victim with something like
    "hey, check this out -- I encrypted it with password <foo>." It'll be
    interesting to watch the policies fly -- after all, completely blocking
    zip files in attachments is a very, very sharp double-edged knife.

    --Jim

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ***************************************************************************
    Messages included in this e-mail and any of its attachments are those
    of the author unless specifically stated to represent WorkCover Queensland.
    The contents of this message are to be used for the intended purpose only
    and are to be kept confidential at all times.
    This message may contain privileged information directed only to the
    intended addressee/s. Accidental receipt of this information should be
    deleted promptly and the sender notified.
    This e-mail has been scanned by Sophos for known viruses.
    However, no warranty nor liability is implied in this respect.
    **********************************************************************

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------


  • Next message: Jamie Pratt: "Re: new IIS exploit?"

    Relevant Pages

    • RE: Novarg
      ... The issue here is the classic debate of usability vs. security. ... I'm not about to start recommending .zip files be blocked on my network ... and blocking .zip files might be the best ... We block all 'zip' attachments and have found it excellent way to prevent ...
      (Incidents)
    • Re: Cant Open or Save Attachments - Another case
      ... To be able to open those type of files, you need to lower your security ... Open Internet Explorer, click Tools/Internet Options/Security tab ... >> There is no file association for .exe, ... > attachments save fine, and be "blocked" from running until I explicitly ...
      (microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6_outlookexpress)
    • Re: Cant Open or Save Attachments - Another case
      ... Both .exe and .url ... file types are considered high risk. ... attachments save fine, and be "blocked" from running until I explicitly ...
      (microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6_outlookexpress)
    • Re: SBS blocked attachments
      ... What happens if you change the extension on the .exe or .zip to something ... "Outlook blocked access to the following potentially unsafe attachments" ...
      (microsoft.public.backoffice.smallbiz)
    • Re: Cant Open or Save Attachments - Another case
      ... Thanks, but still no joy. ... and still the .exe and ... To be able to open those type of files, you need to lower your security ... > attachments save fine, and be "blocked" from running until I explicitly ...
      (microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6_outlookexpress)