Winnuke

WinNuke is an attack that targets computers running the Windows 95, NT and 3.11 operating systems. It functions by sending OOB (Out-of-Band) data to the IP address of a Windows computer connected to a network such as the internet. In most cases, it connects through port 139, but may use others if they are vulnerable or left open. When a Windows computer receives the OOB, it is not able to handle the load and demonstrates unexplained behavior. WinNuke has been known to cause a wide range of problems from the lost of an internet connection to a system crash. Though a WinNuke attack terribly frustrates a user, the damage inflicted is not permanent. A simple reboot of the system is normally enough to fully recover. However, any unsaved applications that may have been open during the time of a crash are most likely to be lost. The best defense against WinNuke is to install a patch. Patches are readily available for many Windows systems including versions 95 and NT.