OSX.Wirelurker: Avoid pirated Mac OS X applications, untrusted Apple computers

Wirelurker can be used to steal information from compromised iOS devices.

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Symantec Security Response is currently investigating OSX.Wirelurker, a threat that targets Apple computers running Mac OS X and Apple devices running iOS. Wirelurker can be used to steal information from compromised iOS devices.
 

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Figure. Maiyadi App Store
 

Wirelurker has been discovered on the Maiyadi App Store, a third-party App store in China. The threat is trojanized into pirated Mac OS X applications. Once a pirated application has been downloaded onto a computer running OS X, Wirelurker will spread to any iOS device connected to that computer with a USB cable. Wirelurker can then install malicious applications, even if the iOS device is not jailbroken.

Symantec protection

Symantec detects Wirelurker as:

Here are some steps Mac users can take to avoid malware like OSX.Wirelurker:

  • Do not download pirated Mac OS X applications from third-party app stores
  • Avoid connecting iOS devices to unknown or untrusted computers
  • Install security software on Mac OS X computers

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