Java.Awetook exploits a zero-day vulnerability in the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) to escalate its privileges in order to download and run a malicious payload on the compromised computer.

The threat Java.Awetook was discovered by Symantec Security Response Threat Severity Assessment on August 27, 2012 and was classified as Trojan.

Initial Daily Certified version of virus definitions for Norton security products was released on August 27, 2012 revision 016. It should be noted that users with the older versions of Norton Internet Security are limited to Daily LiveUpdate definitions. For more information, go to the page where the are described virus definitions available for Norton products.

Java.Awetook Threat Assessment

Component	Severity
Wild Level	Low
Number of Infections	0 - 49
Number of Sites	0 - 2
Geographical Distribution	Low
Threat Containment	Easy
Removal	Easy
Damage Level	Medium
Distribution Level	Low

According to the Symantec Threat Severity Assessment, overall risk of Java.Awetook is now categorized as «Very Low» — poses little threat to users; rarely even makes headlines; no reports in the wild. Read more about Threat Severity Assessment.

This threat affect the following operating systems:

• Windows 2000
• Windows 7
• Windows NT
• Windows Server 2003
• Windows Server 2008
• Windows Vista
• Windows XP

More information about Java.Awetook, you can find on the official site of Symantec Corporation, where in addition to useful information you can find technical details and removal instructions: www.symantec.com

It is also recommended to read the article Network security threats, where you can find a brief description and explanation of the most dangerous security threats plus a few simple tips on how to protect your personal computer from them.