In its first large-scale attack on its App Store, Apple is taking steps to remove malicious codes added to iPhone and iPad programs commonly used in China.
A number of cyber security firms reported finding a malicious program dubbed XcodeGhost embedded in hundreds of Apps available on the App Store.
It is understood that the hackers persuaded developers to download the counterfeit version of their software, Xcode.
According to a report by the BBC the cybersecurity firm analysing the malware, Palo Alto Networks, said the perpetrators would be able to trick the owners of infected devices into revealing information by sending fake alerts.
Apple spokeswoman, Christine Monaghan, told Reuters “we’ve removed the apps from the App Store that we know have been created with this counterfeit software.
“We are working with the developers to make sure they’re using the proper version of Xcode to rebuild their apps.”
Some of the infected applications include Tencent’s, WeChat app, NetEase’s music downloading app and Didi Kuaidi’s car hailing app.