Virus Encyclopedia

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Doubleclick

 
Threat LevelLow threat
DamageHigh
DistributionNot widespread
Common name:Doubleclick
Technical name:Cookie/Doubleclick
Threat level:Medium
Type:Cookie
Effects:   It is a small text file stored on the computer when visiting web pages. Though it does not pose a risk by itself, malicious use by other software could threaten affected users' privacy. It does not spread automatically using its own means.
Affected platforms:

Windows 2003/XP/2000/NT/ME/98/95

First detected on:Jan. 27, 2005
Detection updated on:Dec. 18, 2009
StatisticsNo
Proactive protection:
Yes, using TruPrevent Technologies

Brief Description 

    

Doubleclick is a cookie.

Cookies are small text files stored in the browser on the user's computer, when visiting web pages.

Cookies store information that can be used for several purposes: to personalize web browsing, to gather demographic information about how many users visit a page, to monitor which banners are displayed to the user, etc.

These uses are not, in theory at least, malicious.

However, keep in mind that the misuse of cookies could threaten an individual's privacy.

 

Doubleclick uses the following propagation or distribution methods:

  • Exploiting vulnerabilities with the intervention of the user: exploiting vulnerabilities in file formats or applications. To exploit them successfully it needs the intervention of the user: opening files, viewing malicious web pages, reading emails, etc.
  • It is dropped or downloaded to the computer by other malware specimens, for example: Downloader.OXA, Downloader.VNR.