iPhone Security Flaw Exposed

A software vulnerability in the iPhone could allow hackers to commandeer the device and steal personal information, such as text messages and contacts, or even dial expensive calls, the New York Times reports. The hack works through either a WiFi connection or by steering users to a site containing malicious code that compromises the phone's Web browser.

The founder of the security firm that exposed the flaw in the highly touted gizmo says his team's goal is to discover software weaknesses and alert companies—and consumers—before they can be maliciously exploited. “I will think twice before getting on a random public WiFi network now,” he said. A spokeswoman says Apple is investigating the report. (More iPhone stories.)