Passive Worm Propagation Modeling and Analysis

Abstract

The target selection algorithm of passive worms makes them difficult to detect, and therefore they threaten the Internet greatly. Modeling the propagation of passive worms can provide profound insight into the passive worm behavior. In this paper we present a mathematical model named as the passive worm propagation (PWP) model. Based on the two-factor model, it represents the propagation of passive worms. The simulation of the model indicates that the spread of passive worms is governed by the initial value of passive worms, the infectious rate of worms, the removal rate of worms and time delay. We also analyze the feasibility of passive worms as one kind of benign worms. To the best of our knowledge, there is no relevant model for the propagation of a passive worm. Therefore, we believe that this paper is the first attempt on modeling passive worms.