First large-scale hacker attack on the App Store. Cupertino has announced that it is working to remove an infected code in several applications used by iPhone and iPad owners in China. The US giant has reported that some hackers have inserted malicious code into apps persuading developers to use a counterfeit version of Apple software.
The program, called "XcodeGhost", allows hackers to steal sensitive data from mobile devices. In some cases, the malware can open compromised sites in Safari or trigger deceptive pop-ups. About fifty infected applications that are widely used by users in China and include WeChat, a music download app and another Uber-style car calling app.
Christine Monaghan, Apple spokeswoman, said the apps have been removed from the App Store and that the company is working to re-enter the correct version of Xcode. On her official website, Tencent which produces WeChat has ensured that the latest versions of the app are not affected by the dreaded virus.
