Apple to Release Flashback Removal Software, Working to Take Down Botnet
Apple plans to release software that will detect and remove Flashback malware infections on the Mac, the company has announced. In a knowledge base link published late on Tuesday, Apple explained that it’s aware of the infection—which takes advantage of a previously unpatched Java vulnerability—saying that the software was coming, but no specific release date was given.
In addition to the Flashback detection software, Apple said that it’s “working with ISPs worldwide” to disable the botnet’s command and control (C&C) servers. Kaspersky researcher Kurt Baumgartner told Forbes earlier on Tuesday that “Apple is taking appropriate action by working with the larger internet security community to shut down the Flashfake [also known as Flashback] C2 domains,” and Apple’s latest efforts seem to coincide with Baumgartner’s statement.
“Apple is developing software that will detect and remove the Flashback malware,” Apple wrote. “In addition to the Java vulnerability, the Flashback malware relies on computer servers hosted by the malware authors to perform many of its critical functions. Apple is working with ISPs worldwide to disable this command and control network.”