Mac malware piggybacks on pirated iWork

Over 20,000 served

Malware masquerading as part of Apple's iWork 09 productivity suite is targeting unsuspecting Mac users foolish enough to install pirated software downloaded on warez sites.

Once installed, iServices.A has unfettered root access, which it promptly uses to connect to a remote server over the internet, according to Intego, which sells anti-virus software for Macs. A secondary download installs malware that makes victims part of a botnet that's attacking undisclosed websites.

More than 20,000 people have already downloaded the rogue installer, which is bundled with a complete and fully functional version of iWork. Intego didn't say how many of those marks have actually installed the program.

Intego's advisory is the latest reminder that the growing popularity of Apple's OS X hasn't been lost on malware developers. Over the past 18 months, a variety of trojans and exploits have increasingly targeted the Mac.

Word of this latest trojan comes a day after Apple said it would no longer require iWork users to enter company-issued serial numbers when installing the app. So, if you must pirate the program, simply borrow your co-worker's disk. Online cracking software is no longer required. ®