The app, known as InstaStock, was designed by a security expert to repair a security bug in Apple's iOS - the operating system that works on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch handsets.
The app, known as InstaStock, was designed by a security expert to repair a security bug in Apple’s iOS – the operating system that works on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch handsets.
Charlie Miller has created the app which is similar to an application for checking stockmarket prices but it was able to steal user data, consisting of photographs and contacts. The app, which was admitted into the iTunes App Store in September has since been eliminated by Apple and Mr Miller’s account, has been suspended.
Mr Miller plans to supply details of the security bug at a conference in the coming week. However, it is reported that it would exploit the Nitro JavaScript engine that Apple introduced with iOS 4.3 at the beginning of the previous year.
Apple’s iOS handsets have typically had fewer security vulnerabilities than finishing platforms due to the company’s tight control of the operating system and the agreement process for apps.
