Existing security holes in Tiger and Leopard allow malware authors to install these viruses onto OS X without access to passwords or other security measures. Dino Dai Zovi, an UK-based security researcher, said these viruses are currently affecting users of the iChat instant messaging application, in addition to Limewire music sharing service.
Personal data is becoming compromised in the spread of these viruses, Dai Zovi said, exposing users to identity theft and the complete take over of their machine for use in botnet attacks.
Dai Zovi said because the exposure was discovered several days after it's spread was executed, stronger Mac viruses are possible in coming days to attack these existing security flaws.
