Apple's App Store hit by malware attack

Apple's App Store hit by malware attack

Apple Inc said on Sunday it is cleaning up its iOS App Store to remove malicious iPhone and iPad programs identified in the first large-scale attack on the popular mobile software outlet. It is is the first sustained security breach of the App.

hackers had embedded a malicious code into the apps by persuading developers to use a counterfeit version of the firm's own software.  The program called XcodeGhost allows hackers to collect data from devices.

The infected applications include many used by iPhone and iPad owners in China such as WeChat app, a music downloading app and a car hailing app.

However, On its WeChat official blog, they said that the security issue affects an older version of the app and the newer versions were not impacted.

"A security flaw, caused by an external malware, was recently discovered affecting iOS users only on WeChat version 6.2.5. This flaw has been repaired and will not affect users who install or upgrade WeChat version 6.2.6 or greater, currently available on the iOS App Store."