Apple’s App Store Targeted by Chinese Hackers

Apple’s App Store Targeted by Chinese Hackers

LOS ANGELES — Apple’s longstanding reputation for flawless security is in jeopardy, following reports of dozens of malware-infected apps being distributed through its proprietary App Store.

It is a first for the distribution outlet that prides itself on its scrutiny and security of the products it carries — and an attack potentially impacting many millions of users.

The malware was payloaded onto some of the store’s most popular Chinese apps for iPad and iPhone users, including mobile chat app WeChat, which boasts a half-billion users; the Uber-inspired Didi Kuaidi; and a Spotify-style music app from NetEase.

It appears that rather than a direct attack on Apple, the malware authors took an innovative approach, by spreading a tainted version of Apple’s Xcode toolset, which then secretly installed the malware on any app it was used to create. The tainted Xcode file was labeled XcodeGhost by security researchers, and provides a stern example on the dangers of using pirated software — while exposing information about the app user’s device, passwords and more to the criminal attackers.

According to Palo Alto Networks security researcher Claud Xiao, the hack allows attackers to take control of iOS devices.

“We believe XcodeGhost is a very harmful and dangerous malware that has bypassed Apple’s code review and made unprecedented attacks on the iOS ecosystem,” Xiao stated.

For its part, Apple says the company is addressing the problem.

“To protect our customers, we’ve removed the apps from the App Store that we know have been created with this counterfeit software,” an Apple rep stated. “We are working with the developers to make sure they’re using the proper version of Xcode to rebuild their apps.”

So far, no sensitive customer data release has been reported.

“At present, we haven’t discovered any loss of user information or assets as a result of this, though the WeChat team will continue to monitor and do tests,” a WeChat parent Tencent rep revealed, noting that an updated version of the WeChat app is available from the app store.

Altogether, it is an embarrassing breach of Apple’s closed app distribution channel, which has long kept legitimate adult entertainment apps from its ecosystem due to corporate censorship of carnal content.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Adult Industry Educational, Networking Platform 'Imperfectly You' Launches

Imperfectly You, an educational and networking platform for adult industry workers, has officially launched.

Segpay to Launch News Network for High-Risk Merchants

Segpay has announced that it will launch the Segpay News Network (SNN) on April 15.

Age Verification Watch: Patching the Holes

This roundup provides an update on the latest news and developments on the age verification front as it impacts the adult industry.

Pineapple Support to Host Autism Spectrum Support Group

Pineapple Support is hosting a free online support group for performers and creators who are, or suspect they may be, on the autism spectrum.

ImLive Launches Revamped Member Loyalty Program

Cam platform ImLive has revamped its member loyalty program.

GoFundMe Set Up for Danny Ferretti's Medical Expenses

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for Fangear founder Danny Ferretti, who requires extensive lung surgery.

Byborg Acquires Cuties AI

Byborg Enterprises has acquired adult artificial intelligence startup Cuties AI.

Irish Government Releases Report on Sex Work Decriminalization Legislation

The Irish government has released a report reviewing a 2017 law that decriminalized sex work across the country.

Texas Bill Would Require Age Verification for Online Sex Toy Sales

A new bill in the Texas state legislature would require online retailers to implement age verification of purchasers before selling “obscene devices” to anyone in that state.

New York Assemblyman Proposes Banning the Term 'Sex Work'

Republican New York Assembly Member Brian Maher has introduced a bill to prohibit the use of the term "sex work" in government documents.

Show More