Stupid question but is it possible to get a virus from an MKV file that is less than 24 hours old. I was streamed using VLC version 3.0.20 form the repose on Linux.

  • redcalcium@lemmy.institute
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    29 days ago

    Every once in a while security researchers would discover sophisticated exploits that would allow malwares to take over your computer via multimedia files, but those are actually rarely exploited in the wild by run off the mill malwares.

    Unless you’re an important person being targeted by hackers and three letter agencies, your biggest source of threat is running infected programs from untrusted sources, e.g. cracks downloaded from random torrents or warez sites, shady sites serving ads that trick you to run some executables, etc.

    • Rai@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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      29 days ago

      Wild that people have ESCAPED VMs… but yeah that’s not happening on my boring ass’s computer

    • EveryMuffinIsNowEncrypted@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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      29 days ago

      I really hate to be “that person”, but..........it’s “run of the mill”, not “run off the mill”, friend.

      It’s a term from the late 1800s that refers to “manufactured goods not graded or sorted for quality—that is, a mill’s products before they’ve been separated according to what will sell for how much.” (Source for quote: https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/where-does-run-of-the-mill-come-from)

      Seriously, I’m not trying to be a grammar nazi here. Unless of course that was just autocorrect being a dick, in which case I’ll go walk off a cliff now… :/

  • brettvitaz@programming.dev
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    29 days ago

    someone please correct me if I’m wrong but I believe that for it to be possible, the application that plays the mkv file would have to have a remote execution exploit and the code for the virus would be executed through the player. the player would be required to have elevated privileges. I think this is exceptionally unlikely for vlc

  • XNX@slrpnk.net
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    29 days ago

    You’re probably fine it’s extremely unlikely. Dont trust emails that say they recorded you wanking its a scam

  • RvTV95XBeo@sh.itjust.works
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    29 days ago

    Definitely no, viruses need 48-72 hours of incubation before the .mkv host becomes contagious. If the file is <24 hours old, I’d look for another source.

    If you’re worried your computer might be infected, you should consider swapping your case LEDs with UV lights to purify your system.