Malware: Fighting Malicious Code

Installing Backdoors

To realize any of these powerful capabilities, the backdoor must be installed on the victim machine. “So,” you might be wondering, “how do attackers get a backdoor installed in the first place?” There are lots of options available to crafty attackers. The attackers could plant the backdoor themselves, having originally gained access to the system through some common exploit, such as a buffer overflow or typical system misconfiguration. Once an attacker breaks into a target, one of the first things he or she usually does is to install a backdoor to allow an easy return to the vanquished system.

Alternatively, an attacker could install a backdoor using an automated program such as the viruses, worms, and malicious mobile code ...