An independent researcher only known as Information Security Sellout (InfoSec Sellout) has claimed to have developed a worm that attacks Mac OS X.

Apparently s/he has discovered a vulnerability in OS X's mDNSResponder which Apple has patched before. Sellout claims that the worm, named "Rape.osx," is benign for now. The hacker says that the worm only takes advantage of the vulnerability by leaving a text file in the Mac to prove that the worm has been there. This worm has already been successfully tested on 1,500 OS X computers.

Sellout also claims that with further study, the worm can be geared up to wreak mayhem on the Mac. However, Sellout says that s/he will release the results of the "experiment" after the "research is complete" and after getting satisfactory compensation.

A recent lead received by Cutaway Security rats out the hacker LMH as the identity of Sellout, the same LMH who was responsible for the "Month of Apple Bugs" last January although there wasn't sufficient proof. One thing that may prove the leak is correct is that the original Information Security Sellout site has been purged of all its contents after the news was received.

It's a bittersweet realization to think that Apple becomes a bigger target as it gains more popularity.