Java Security Updates for Leopard and Snow Leopard
Apple has released Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 4 and Java for Mac OS X 10.5 Update 9, patching a number of vulnerabilities in the Java virtual machine. The most serious of these may allow an untrusted Java applet to execute arbitrary code outside of the Java sandbox. Users with Java installed should update soon. Those of you who don’t have Java don’t need to worry. If you’re unsure, just check Software Update.
Apple recently announced that the version of Java ported by Apple for Mac OS X has been deprecated. Starting in Mac OS X 10.7 “Lion”, the Java runtime will no longer be installed by default, instead requiring users to install Oracle’s Java runtime should they require Java support. Apple also recently stopped bundling Flash with Mac OS X by default, with new MacBook Air and MacBook Pros shipping without Flash. The divesting of these two products will not only eliminate Java and Flash vulnerabilities on default installs of Mac OS X, it will allow users who install these apps to get updates quicker directly from Oracle and Adobe, instead of having to wait for Apple to release software updates.
Hit the jump for details of the Java update for 10.6.
Securing Leopard – 10.6 Edition
I’ve finally re-written my article on Securing Leopard, with some updates to reflect the changes made in 10.6. This is still an early edition, and I’d be happy to hear feedback/suggestions (contact form) on how I could improve it.
The article is aimed at new and developing Mac OS X users, and covers a variety of suggestions on how to quickly and easily improve the security of your (Snow) Leopard install. It also provides tips on how to manage your privacy and protect your personal information.
It includes a quick checklist which can help when trying to secure an install of Mac OS X. Enjoy!
Mac OS X Security Update 2010-006 (AFP)
Apple this week released Security Update 2010-006 to patch a vulnerability in Apple Filing Protocol (AFP) – also known as File Sharing – which could allow an attacker to gain access to shared folders without a password. This only affects Mac OS X 10.6, Mac OS X Server 10.6, and File Sharing is disabled by default.
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