Apple denies knowledge of iPhone exploit allowing NSA interception

Apple has reportedly denied it had any knowledge about the potential exploit in its iPhones that might have helped the US spy agencies to develop backdoor access to the devices.

The denial follows revelations by a security analyst Jacob Appelbaum about the existence of a secret program code-named DROPOUTJEEP by which the US' National Security Agency (NSA) appears to have nearly total access to the Apple iPhone.

According to Fox News, the researcher claimed that a software implant for the tech giant's flagship product could be used to collect information on the phone and potentially turn it into an intercepting device.

Appelbaum further said either the spy agency has a collection of exploits against Apple products or Apple itself is sabotaging its critical systems.

However, the tech giant has vehemently denied having collaborated with NSA to provide it access or having any knowledge about the programme targeting iPhones.

The report said the NSA's spyware reportedly has a 100% success rate against iPhones, but the secret document acquired by German magazine indicated that the code must be installed 'via close access methods', but mentions that remote installation of the software will be pursued for a future release.