Press Release Details

Palo Alto Networks Reveals Discovery of Unprecedented iOS and OS X Malware

November 5, 2014
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Research spotlights new malware family distributed through trojanized and repackaged Apple OS applications

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Nov. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Palo Alto Networks® (NYSE: PANW), the leader in enterprise security, today announced discovery of a new family of Apple OS X and iOS malware exhibiting characteristics unseen in any previously documented threats targeting Apple platforms. This new family, dubbed WireLurker, marks a new era in malware across Apple's desktop and mobile platforms, representing a potential threat to businesses, governments and Apple customers worldwide.

Among its defining characteristics, WireLurker represents:

  • The first known malware family that can infect installed iOS applications similar to how a traditional virus would
  • The first in-the-wild malware family that can install third-party applications on non-jailbroken iOS devices through enterprise provisioning
  • Only the second known malware family that attacks iOS devices through OS X via USB
  • The first malware family to automate generation of malicious iOS applications through binary file replacement

WireLurker malware was discovered by Claud Xiao of Unit 42, the Palo Alto Networks threat intelligence team, and detailed in a report released today, "WireLurker: A New Era in OS X and iOS Malware."

Following its initial observation in the wild in June by a developer at Tencent, Palo Alto Networks researchers have determined WireLurker's potential impact, assessed the methods available to prevent, detect, contain and remediate the threat, and detailed the protections available for Palo Alto Networks customers.

Palo Alto Networks has released signatures to detect all WireLurker Command & Control communication traffic. It is recommended that customers using OS X or iOS devices deploy a strict policy for blocking WireLurker traffic using the Palo Alto Networksenterprise security platform. A full list of system recommendations, remediation techniques and best practices is included in the WireLurker report.

QUOTE:

  • "WireLurker is unlike anything we've ever seen in terms of Apple iOS and OS X malware. The techniques in use suggest that bad actors are getting more sophisticated when it comes to exploiting some of the world's best-known desktop and mobile platforms. As such we have provided full protection to Palo Alto Networks customers and published a detailed report so others can assess the risk and take appropriate measures to protect themselves."
    – Ryan Olson, Intelligence Director, Unit 42, Palo Alto Networks

To learn more

Upcoming Unit 42 Appearances
Unit 42, the Palo Alto Networks threat intelligence team, is made up of accomplished cybersecurity researchers and industry experts. Unit 42 gathers, researches and analyzes up-to-the-minute threat intelligence, sharing insights with Palo Alto Networks customers, partners and the broader community to better protect organizations. Unit 42 team leads regularly appear at industry conferences throughout the world. In November, Unit 42's regular roadshow will make three stops in Canada:

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SOURCE Palo Alto Networks

Jennifer Jasper-Smith, Head of Corporate Communications, Palo Alto Networks, 408-638-3280, jjsmith@paloaltonetworks.com; Tim Whitman, Voce Communications, 617-721-5994, twhitman@vocecomm.com