OpenOffice virus reaches across platforms

A virus writer with something to prove has written a proof-of-concept OpenOffice document to demonstrate a way to infect Windows, Linux and Mac OS X systems with a single script.

The virus, dubbed BadBunny by antivirus firm Sophos, is a script embedded in an OpenOffice Draw file and performs different actions based on the host's operating system. On Windows, the program drops a file for the instant messaging client mIRC that attempts to spread the virus. On the Mac OS X, the program places two Ruby scripts that attempt to propagate the file, and on Linux systems, BadBunny drops scripts written in Python and Perl to copy itself to other systems.

The program, which has not been seen in the wild, seems unlikely to spread, said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos.

"The group responsible for writing the BadBunny malware (doesn't) seem to have much confidence in it spreading as they have sent it directly to our labs," Cluely said in a statement.

OpenOffice virus reaches across platforms.