| The mobile code paradigm encompasses programs that can be executed on one or several hosts other than the one they originate from. Mobility of such programs implies some built-in capability for each piece of code to travel smoothly from one host to another. Mobile code systems range from simple applets to intelligent software agents. These systems offer several advantages over the more traditional distributed computing approach. However, mobile code introduces risk to the IT infrastructure.
Malicious mobile code is a vehicle to remotely install malware on a computer. This type of code can be transmitted through interactive web applications such as ActiveX controls, Flash animation, or JavaScript. The code provides the ability for a malicious user to read from and write to files and folders on a computer's hard drive. It also has the ability to run and attach programs, which provides a high risk potential for the distribution of malicious mobile code. This code must be detected before it infiltrates the enclave. When detected, the network element must log and drop the traffic containing the mobile code. This requirement is applicable to network devices such as firewalls and is not applicable to the routing function. |
