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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).

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This has already been covered by a similar question: superuser.com/questions/445366/can-avi-files-contain-a-virus – James Oct 2 '12 at 13:32
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♦ Oct 2 '12 at 13:36
Thanks everybody. You helped me quickly:) – SEARAS Oct 2 '12 at 13:44

marked as duplicate by slhck♦ Oct 2 '12 at 13:35

This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.

2 Answers

up vote 4 down vote accepted

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.

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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 Oct 2 '12 at 13:23
It means that music/video stream files can't contain a virus, which can execute himself (while running it). Isn't it? – SEARAS Oct 2 '12 at 13:28
A virus is not always executable. – UtahJarhead Oct 2 '12 at 13:40
up vote 1 down vote

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 ).

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OK.I understood. Thanks!) – SEARAS Oct 2 '12 at 13:29

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