In-app purchasing exploit discovered for OS X apps

Discovered and implemented by the same Russian hacker who crafted the iOS in-app purchasing workaround, the so-called "In-Appstore for OS X" uses a similar receipt-spoofing method to bypass Apple's validation system to get paid content for free, reports The Next Web.

Alexey Borodin's newest exploit uses the same DNS server routing and receipt spoofing method outlined in previous reports to fool apps into validating dubious in-app purchases.

The system requires a user to install local certificates on their Mac and route purchases to a specially-created DNS server hosted by Borodin. The server, set up to be a replica of the Mac App Store, then sends back a spoofed receipt verification.

According to Borodin some over 8.46 million transactions have been made with his spoofing method, though it is not clear if that number includes the new system targeting OS X. Apple has the option to push out a fix through Software Update and the Mac maker is on the verge of releasing its new OS X Mountain Lion with a host of security protocols including the Gatekeeper security system later in July.

On the same day of the OS X app hack's release, Apple sent out emails inviting iOS app developers to use the company's new protected receipt validation system to thwart last week's in-app purchasing exploit ahead of permanent solution expected in iOS 6.