Is it possible to get a virus from a video, image, or sound file?

Question

I know that .exe and .zip file could have viruses, but what about .avi .mpg .mov .jpeg .mp3 and the sort?

Answer 1

Yes - a trojan virus can be embedded into ANY file format - thus scan EVERYTHING you download

Answer 2

Well, it depends on the site you are viewing the content from, Make sure your antivirus/antispyware and firewall security software are updated. Usually, if you act a little smart, you can prevent your computer from getting affected. Whenever you watch any videos, you get prompts to install something or download a certain player etc. Be alert and don't just click on anything that comes your way. Watching videos from reliable sites like youtube, metacafe etc is always safe.

Answer 3

The answer is yes. Off the top of my head, I remembered this one from a year ago, the WMF Image Handling Exploit:

"A serious vulnerability in Windows Fax and Picture Viewer can allow remote attackers to use .WMF image files to gain control of your system. Windows XP (SP1 and SP2), Windows 2003, Windows 200 SP4, Windows ME, and Windows 98 users are all equally vulnerable, even if fully patched as of the time of discovery."

There have also been many vulnerabilities found in Windows Media and Quicktime Players over the years.

Answer 4

Viruses can come from opening any foreign files, unless you trust the source. Even anti-virus software can slip up.

Answer 5

It is possible. You insatll a standard antivirus soft ware such as Norton, AVG , Avast ( free antivirus software and Ad-aware, Ewido ( free spyware removers). You can download free softwares at
http://fixit.in/antivirus.html and http://fixit.in/spywareremover.html

Answer 6

Yep.

Answer 7

yes

Answer 8

Read about it here http://www.geocities.com/uzipaz/eng/safe.html