New Apple-focused malware uses Macs to infect iPhones.

A new kind of malicious software strikes at Mac OS X and iPhone users in China, according to a just-released security report.

Apple's phones and tablets are under attack in China from a new kind of malware that uses Macs to get at devices that run on iOS, Apple's mobile operating system. 

Apple users in China have an active, new threat to contend with that attacks iPhones and iPads through Apple's Mac OS X operating system, a US security firm reported.

Palo Alto Networks called the malicious software "WireLurker" because it waits for a device running Apple's iOS mobile operating system to connect via USB to a Mac laptop or desktop. The software -- hidden in apps downloaded from China's third-party Mac OS X app stores -- adds malicious code to legitimate iOS apps. The malware attack is limited to China.

The threat is new to Apple, though this sort of attack has been around since about 2003, said Ryan Olson, intelligence director at Unit 42, Palo Alto Networks' threat research team.

"For the general user, it's not something you need to light your hair on fire about," Olson said. Still, "the tech that we're seeing here brings Mac and iOS much closer" to the threats facing Windows andAndroid pairings. Unlike most iOS threats, WireLurker is not restricted to iPhones and iPads that have been jailbroken, a user-initiated state that allows any app to be installed -- against Apple's wishes.

Apple did not return a request for comment.

Olson said he doesn't know how many people have been affected.