Can mp3 file contain a virus?

Possible Duplicate:
Can avi files contain a virus?

Can mp3 file contain an executable virus?
I mean .mp3 files only (not .mp3.exe , not an .exe renamed to .mp3 and smtg like that).

Searush

Posted 2012-10-02T13:19:31.447

Reputation: 781

This has already been covered by a similar question: http://superuser.com/questions/445366/can-avi-files-contain-a-virus

– James P – 2012-10-02T13:32:50.180

The principle behind multimedia containers is the same. AVI, MP3, doesn't matter here. I hope the great answer to the other question explains everything. – slhck – 2012-10-02T13:36:18.983

Answers

I suppose it's POSSIBLE to contain a virus, but it would have to be specifically engineered to exploit a flaw in a specific media player, or in the OS itself when it generates a preview (if it does). Since it usually just shoves the data through a player, I can't see this happening.

UtahJarhead

Posted 2012-10-02T13:19:31.447

Reputation: 1 755

It wouldn't be because the file was executed, it would be because the file exploited a weakness in the software playing it. Buffer overruns, things like that. – UtahJarhead – 2012-10-02T13:23:04.217

It means that music/video stream files can't contain a virus, which can execute himself (while running it). Isn't it? – Searush – 2012-10-02T13:28:33.743

A virus is not always executable. – UtahJarhead – 2012-10-02T13:40:54.537

The music player doesn't compile or run any type of executable commands on the OS. So even if a .mp3 had a virus, it can't be run/executed. So, the answer is no, it doesn't contain an executable virus (of course, if you wanted to write a music player which could also execute that would be a different matter :) but I don't think it would be popular ).

Dave

Posted 2012-10-02T13:19:31.447

Reputation: 24 199