A new Rust-based macOS malware, known as RustDoor, is being distributed as a fake Visual Studio update and provides backdoor access to compromised systems. The malware communicates with command and control servers linked to the ALPHV/BlackCat ransomware gang, potentially indicating a connection to ransomware operations. It is primarily distributed as an updater for Visual Studio for Mac and has been undetected for at least three months. RustDoor has the capability to control compromised systems, exfiltrate data, and establish persistence by modifying system files, using commands such as shell execution, file manipulation, and process termination.
The latest release of Visual Studio GitHub Copilot Chat Extension introduces productivity features like slash commands and context variables, as well as preview features such as Exception Assistant and Test Failure Analysis. Community feedback is generally positive, with users praising features like #solution references but expressing concerns about certain slash commands and suggesting customization options. Developers interested in activating preview features can do so by accessing Options in Visual Studio.
GitHub has made its AI-powered coding chatbot, Copilot Chat, available in public beta for individual users in Visual Studio and Visual Studio Code. The chatbot allows users to communicate with an AI assistant to receive coding help, learn new languages or frameworks, troubleshoot bugs, and get answers to coding questions without leaving the IDE. The Copilot tier for individual users is priced at $10 per month or $100 per year. Other companies, such as Google and Amazon, have also introduced AI coding chatbots for developers.
Microsoft has announced that it will discontinue Visual Studio for Mac, redirecting its resources and focus to enhance Visual Studio and VS Code for cross-platform development. The latest version of Visual Studio for Mac will be supported by Microsoft through August 2024, with security updates and platform compatibility updates for the next 12 months. Microsoft recommends accessing its IDE through Windows in a machine virtual on the Mac or in the cloud, or using cross-platform compatible developer technology such as C# Dev Kit, .NET MAUI, and Unity Extensions for VS Code. Visual Studio for Mac was first introduced in 2016 and the recent Visual Studio 2022 version brought a major overhaul to the Mac version.
