1

I used to download a lot of mp4's from untrusted sources. But I discovered that they could contain malware. I would like to know if there are any methods to clean or to check video files for malware.

schroeder
  • 129,372
  • 55
  • 299
  • 340
asterix
  • 11
  • 2

1 Answers1

2

MP4 files are not executable files. This means that they are unable to execute malicious code directly. That being said, it is possible for the program that decodes/plays the file to have a vulnerability that the mp4 file could exploit. The threat that a video file poses to your system is much less than the threat a downloaded program poses to your system.

Your best bet for avoiding malicious mp4 files is using up to date software when decoding/playing these files. You can also use a throwaway virtual machine to view these files. Antivirus software would also most likely help prevent infection through this method.

E E
  • 21
  • 1