Microsoft has observed a previously dormant macOS malware that has become active once again in a new variant that is targeting Apple devices of all kinds.
Microsoft Threat Intelligence shared information about the malware in a post on X, indicating that it is a new version of XCSSET that originated in 2022. The security experts explained that the updated malware has “enhanced obfuscation methods, updated persistence mechanisms, and new infection strategies.”
Microsoft Threat Intelligence has uncovered a new variant of XCSSET, a sophisticated modular macOS malware that targets users by infecting Xcode projects, in the wild. While we’re only seeing this new XCSSET variant in limited attacks at this time, we’re sharing this information… pic.twitter.com/oWfsIKxBzB
— Microsoft Threat Intelligence (@MsftSecIntel) February 17, 2025
TechRadar noted that the XCSSET malware is essentially an infostealer, with the ability to attack digital wallets, gather data from the Apple Notes app, and collect system information and files.
The malware is particularly dangerous because it uses infected projects in Apple’s Xcode platform to infiltrate devices. Xcode is the official integrated development environment (IDE) Apple provides for app creation for its various operating systems, including macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS. The environment includes a code editor, debugger, Interface Builder, and tools for testing and deploying apps, the publication added.
As said, the updated XCSSET variant includes processes, allowing the malware to better obscure itself within Xcode. To do so, it uses two techniques, called “zshrc” and “dock”. The first attack allows the malware to create a file, ~/.zshrc_aliases, which holds the infected data. Then it adds a command in the ~/.zshrc file, which will prompt the infected file to launch every time a new shell session is initiated. This will ensure the malware will continue to spread with additional shell sessions.
With the second attack, the malware downloads “a signed dockutil tool from a command-and-control server to manage the dock items, ” Microsoft explained. After this, it creates a fake Launchpad app to replace the path entry for the actual Launchpad app on the device dock. When a user runs Launchpad on an infected device, the actual Launchpad app and the malware version will both execute, effectively spreading XCSSET.
Microsoft Threat Intelligence explained it has only seen the new malware variant “in limited attacks,” it is sharing information about the threat so users and organizations can take precautionary measures.
The absolutely absurd idea of putting a touchscreen display on a mouse isn't exactly new. Turtle Beach already did it with its Command Series MC7, which features a 2.25-inch control screen. But apparently, even that wasn't ridiculous enough for Arctic Fox Technologies. Its new Super Mouse looks like someone took the chunky old Atari ST mouse, slapped a touchscreen and scroll wheel on it, and called it an upgrade.
The result is a rather unusual-looking mouse that is now on Kickstarter, starting at $199. And as ridiculous as it looks, some of its features are genuinely intriguing.
Apple is less than a day away from launching its highly anticipated OLED MacBook Pro with a touch-sensitive screen. But it appears that the upgrade is going to cost a pretty penny. According to a report by Bloomberg, Apple is reportedly eyeing a starting price of $2,899 for the 14-inch MacBook Pro, while the 16-inch version could start at $3,399 in the US.
"At $2,899, the 14-inch model would mark the highest starting price for a new MacBook Pro model, surpassing the $2,799 Apple charged for a 17-inch version introduced in 2006," says the report. The report claims that Apple is targeting a minimum price hike of $400 for its upcoming redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.
I've spent a good amount of time digging into the spec sheet of the new M6 MacBook Pro (14-inch), and for all intents and purposes, this is a classic Apple "chip and connectivity" refresh. It's not a full redesign. The chassis, Liquid Retina XDR panel, speakers, ports, and battery, all of them carry over unchanged.
However, the M6 brings more cores, stronger on-device AI, higher memory bandwidth on the larger configs, and modern wireless. Here’s the practical rundown of what actually improved, and whether those gains are worth your money.