Computers Huge flaw in Macs that make them easier to hack than PC

Hammock Parties · 07-31-2009, 10:20 PM

Suck it, Mac fanboys.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32210255...ence-security/

LAS VEGAS - A Mac security expert has uncovered a technique that hackers could use to take control of Apple Inc. computers and steal data that is scrambled to protect it from identity thieves.

Prominent Mac researcher Dino Dai Zovi disclosed the software flaw at the Black Hat security conference in Las Vegas, one of the world's top forums for exchanging information on Internet threats.

About 4,000 security professionals are in attendance, including some who are really hackers. While experts ferret out software flaws to fix them and protect users, hackers use the same information to devise pranks or commit crimes.
Story continues below ↓advertisement | your ad here

Attacks on Apple computers are extremely rare, but security experts say that will change as Macs gain market share on PCs running Microsoft Corp's Windows operating system.

Some hackers have already released programs that attack Macs, including one earlier this year that was spread to a small number of machines via pirated software.

It is not illegal to publish software that can be used to hack into computer systems, though it is against the law to use it to break into them.

Dai Zovi, a security researcher and co-author of "The Mac Hacker's Handbook," said on Wednesday that once hackers start to put substantial resources into targeting Apple's computers, they will be at least as vulnerable as Windows machines.

"There is no magic fairy dust protecting Macs," he said in an interview.

The technique — dubbed "Machiavelli" — exploits a vulnerability in the Mac OS X kernel, the heart of the machine's operating system. It only works on machines that have already been victimized, such as ones attacked with the pirated software. It can take control of Apple's Safari browser, logging passwords to financial accounts and data on bank statements, Dai Zovi said.

An Apple spokeswoman could not be reached for comment.

Apple is the fourth-largest U.S. PC maker and continues to take market share. It held 9 percent of the U.S. market in the second quarter, according to Gartner.

"They are advancing. Our concern is that they are just not advancing as fast as they are gaining market share," said Charlie Miller, co-author of "The Mac Hacker's Handbook."

Still, they said the Mac's operating system will be an easier nut to crack once hackers start to focus on it. That is because it has a lot more code in it than Windows, leaving room for more vulnerabilities and bugs that hackers can exploit, the two experts said.

"Everyone is on their toes," Miller said.

Paniero · 07-31-2009, 10:32 PM

I must admit, I started to read the post. Then I saw the battle cry of lonely men all over the world:

Suck it, Mac fanboys.

As soon as I saw an insult about computers hurled out, I immediately looked left and was distracted from the article by the fact that the thread starter has a part time career here at CP, averaging 32 posts per day.

And as if a moment of clarity came about, I now realize why lonely men seemingly always default to imploring boys to suck it as they furiously battle from behind their keyboards, using their pot bellies as elbow rests.

Because if they don't suck it, no one will.

ArrowheadMagic · 07-31-2009, 10:39 PM

hard to hack a pc when its frozen, blue screened and needs to reboot.

RustShack · 07-31-2009, 10:41 PM

How could would the child of a PC and Mac be if they had cybersex?

Miles · 07-31-2009, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArrowheadMagic

hard to hack a pc when its frozen, blue screened and needs to reboot.

You might want to update your material.

ArrowheadMagic · 07-31-2009, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miles

You might want to update your material.

Probably wait for Windows 7 to replace Vista before I do.

**Bugeater** · 07-31-2009, 11:23 PM

Meh. There were plenty of reasons to hate Apple before this.

**DaneMcCloud** · 07-31-2009, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bugeater

Meh. There were plenty of reasons to hate Apple before this.

The "Genius Bar" being number one on my list.

"Genius Bar".

Bullshit.

How about "Cool haircut, I'm smarter than you (not really) and I own a Mac" Bar.

Or the "Minimum Wage Bar".

ArrowheadMagic · 07-31-2009, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

The "Genius Bar" being number one on my list.

"Genius Bar".

Bullshit.

How about "Cool haircut, I'm smarter than you (not really) and I own a Mac" Bar.

Or the "Minimum Wage Bar".

Because PC's help desk is better? Better paid? .... at least you know Mac people will speak the same language as you do..... unless you want to compare the geek squad to the genius bar..... ? Thats a different topic all together.

**banyon** · 07-31-2009, 11:56 PM

I honestly don't get this whole "I'm a PC" person and "I'm a Mac" person. It reminds me of "hey I am a Chevy guy Fords can suck it."

I mean, just get the product you like and shut the fuck up about it already. What does it say about people who tie their personal fucking identities to corporate brand name loyalties anyway?

Most of these products aren't even made in this country mainly anymore.

ArrowheadMagic · 08-01-2009, 12:01 AM

corporate pawns. good advertising and marketing. who doesnt know someone that thinks they are better than you because of what they have? Its a material thing.

**Buehler445** · 08-01-2009, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArrowheadMagic

Because PC's help desk is better? Better paid? .... at least you know Mac people will speak the same language as you do..... unless you want to compare the geek squad to the genius bar..... ? Thats a different topic all together.

Uhh.... every Dell service tech..whatever they are called has been from here in the states and spoke perfect English. I'm pretty sure Dell is still the largest selling PC manufacturer, so I'm quite certain you're off base here.

Don't get me wrong, Dell's Decision Support Software is about as effective as I am at brain surgery, but your point about them being foreign is off base.

Hammock Parties · 08-01-2009, 12:08 AM

Geek squad is affiliated with Best Buy. They aren't affiliated with a PC manufacturer, let alone Microsoft, which is the comparison you're trying to draw.

Macs = marketing bullshit.

Hey, anyone want to buy a Bose wave radio to go with their Mac?

**Reaper16** · 08-01-2009, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paniero

I must admit, I started to read the post. Then I saw the battle cry of lonely men all over the world:

Suck it, Mac fanboys.

As soon as I saw an insult about computers hurled out, I immediately looked left and was distracted from the article by the fact that the thread starter has a part time career here at CP, averaging 32 posts per day.

And as if a moment of clarity came about, I now realize why lonely men seemingly always default to imploring boys to suck it as they furiously battle from behind their keyboards, using their pot bellies as elbow rests.

Because if they don't suck it, no one will.

Tell us how you really feel.

Hammock Parties · 08-01-2009, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paniero

I now realize why lonely men seemingly always default to imploring boys to suck it as they furiously battle from behind their keyboards, using their pot bellies as elbow rests.

Because if they don't suck it, no one will.

I got a blowjob last week from a girl.

Guess what?

She's a PC user. And we hooked up via our PCs.

07-31-2009, 10:20 PM
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4680478	Huge flaw in Macs that make them easier to hack than PC Suck it, Mac fanboys. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32210255...ence-security/ LAS VEGAS - A Mac security expert has uncovered a technique that hackers could use to take control of Apple Inc. computers and steal data that is scrambled to protect it from identity thieves. Prominent Mac researcher Dino Dai Zovi disclosed the software flaw at the Black Hat security conference in Las Vegas, one of the world's top forums for exchanging information on Internet threats. About 4,000 security professionals are in attendance, including some who are really hackers. While experts ferret out software flaws to fix them and protect users, hackers use the same information to devise pranks or commit crimes. Story continues below ↓advertisement \| your ad here Attacks on Apple computers are extremely rare, but security experts say that will change as Macs gain market share on PCs running Microsoft Corp's Windows operating system. Some hackers have already released programs that attack Macs, including one earlier this year that was spread to a small number of machines via pirated software. It is not illegal to publish software that can be used to hack into computer systems, though it is against the law to use it to break into them. Dai Zovi, a security researcher and co-author of "The Mac Hacker's Handbook," said on Wednesday that once hackers start to put substantial resources into targeting Apple's computers, they will be at least as vulnerable as Windows machines. "There is no magic fairy dust protecting Macs," he said in an interview. The technique — dubbed "Machiavelli" — exploits a vulnerability in the Mac OS X kernel, the heart of the machine's operating system. It only works on machines that have already been victimized, such as ones attacked with the pirated software. It can take control of Apple's Safari browser, logging passwords to financial accounts and data on bank statements, Dai Zovi said. An Apple spokeswoman could not be reached for comment. Apple is the fourth-largest U.S. PC maker and continues to take market share. It held 9 percent of the U.S. market in the second quarter, according to Gartner. "They are advancing. Our concern is that they are just not advancing as fast as they are gaining market share," said Charlie Miller, co-author of "The Mac Hacker's Handbook." Still, they said the Mac's operating system will be an easier nut to crack once hackers start to focus on it. That is because it has a lot more code in it than Windows, leaving room for more vulnerabilities and bugs that hackers can exploit, the two experts said. "Everyone is on their toes," Miller said.
Posts: 277,995

07-31-2009, 10:32 PM	#2
Paniero Chief Boot Knocker Join Date: Sep 2005 Casino cash: $8986756	I must admit, I started to read the post. Then I saw the battle cry of lonely men all over the world: Suck it, Mac fanboys. As soon as I saw an insult about computers hurled out, I immediately looked left and was distracted from the article by the fact that the thread starter has a part time career here at CP, averaging 32 posts per day. And as if a moment of clarity came about, I now realize why lonely men seemingly always default to imploring boys to suck it as they furiously battle from behind their keyboards, using their pot bellies as elbow rests. Because if they don't suck it, no one will.
Posts: 682

07-31-2009, 10:39 PM	#3
ArrowheadMagic Veteran Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: OPKS Casino cash: $8173465	hard to hack a pc when its frozen, blue screened and needs to reboot.
Posts: 3,851

07-31-2009, 10:41 PM	#4
RustShack **** That Noise Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Jack Trice Casino cash: $4666954	How could would the child of a PC and Mac be if they had cybersex? __________________
Posts: 15,049

07-31-2009, 11:23 PM	#7
Bugeater The Maintenance Guy Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Renovated Bugeater Estate Casino cash: $6252680	Meh. There were plenty of reasons to hate Apple before this.
Posts: 70,443

07-31-2009, 11:56 PM	#10
banyon Supporter Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hermosa, SD Casino cash: $10176551	I honestly don't get this whole "I'm a PC" person and "I'm a Mac" person. It reminds me of "hey I am a Chevy guy Fords can suck it." I mean, just get the product you like and shut the fuck up about it already. What does it say about people who tie their personal fucking identities to corporate brand name loyalties anyway? Most of these products aren't even made in this country mainly anymore. __________________ “When war breaks out people say: 'It won't last, it's too stupid.' And war is certainly too stupid, but that doesn't prevent It from lasting.” ~Albert Camus, The Plague.
Posts: 44,355

08-01-2009, 12:01 AM	#11
ArrowheadMagic Veteran Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: OPKS Casino cash: $8173465	corporate pawns. good advertising and marketing. who doesnt know someone that thinks they are better than you because of what they have? Its a material thing.
Posts: 3,851

08-01-2009, 12:08 AM	#13
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4680478	Geek squad is affiliated with Best Buy. They aren't affiliated with a PC manufacturer, let alone Microsoft, which is the comparison you're trying to draw. Macs = marketing bullshit. Hey, anyone want to buy a Bose wave radio to go with their Mac? __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 277,995