Mac News: Security Updates

Apple Plugs Gaping Hole in Media Player
May 30, 2007

Apple on Tuesday released patches for two flaws, one considered a serious hole, in its QuickTime media player -- just one week after releasing a bug catcher for the Mac OS X operating system. The security fix to QuickTime 7.1.6 addresses two issues in the way QuickTime works on the Java platform. The more serious problem could allow hackers to take control of an unpatched computer from a remote location.

Apple Releases New OS Bug Catcher
May 25, 2007

Apple released another security update Thursday for its Mac OS X operating system to prevent certain components from crashing and protect areas deemed vulnerable. This latest bundle of fixes marks the fifth update from Apple this year and corrects 17 bugs, some of which could permit arbitrary code executions and denial of service.

Apple Makes Quick Work of QuickTime Bug
May 02, 2007

Apple released an update for QuickTime Tuesday that corrects a flaw exposed by security researchers during a contest at the CanSecWest security conference last month. Recommended for all QuickTime 7 users, the new version, QuickTime 7.1.6, plugs a "critical security issue in QuickTime for Java, as well as numerous bug fixes," the Mac maker said.

Apple Issues Fourth Security Update in as Many Months
April 20, 2007

Apple issued a whopper of a security update Thursday for its Mac OS X. The update contains fixes for 25 security flaws in the operating system. This most recent update marks the fourth Apple has released in 2007. In March, the computer maker released an update to repair 45 security vulnerabilities in the OS.

Apple Patches Worrisome Wireless Flaws
April 10, 2007

Apple has patched two vulnerabilities in its AirPort Extreme Base Station with 802.11n routers. The more worrisome flaw is a default configuration that exposes incoming IPv6 connections and network services on hosts connected through an AirPort Extreme Base Station with 802.11n to remote attackers.

Super-Sized Apple Update Fixes 45 Flaws
March 14, 2007

Apple released a big security patch for its Mac OS X operating system Tuesday. The mega-update patches some 45 weak spots, including several zero-day vulnerabilities. About one-third of the fixes address security issues revealed on the "Month of Kernel Bugs" and "Month of Apple Bugs" blogs. This latest update marks the seventh time Apple has released a security patch since the start of 2007.

Apple Patches AirPort Extreme - Again
March 09, 2007

Apple released a second AirPort Extreme software update late Thursday night. The computer maker issued the first release January 25, after the "Month of Kernel Bugs" blog disclosed the problem in November 2006. The fix is recommended for "all Intel-based Macintosh computers."

Apple QuickTime Patches Fuel Security Debate
March 06, 2007

To the delight of some PC lovers irritated by years of taunting from Mac enthusiasts about Windows security flaws, Apple this week issued security patches for its free QuickTime media player. The patches, part of QuickTime 7.1.5, address eight "vulnerabilities" in the program and are for both Mac OS X and Windows versions.

Apple Patches AirPort WiFi Flaw
January 26, 2007

Apple issued a security update Thursday to fix a flaw in its AirPort WiFi software. Originally disclosed in November on the "Month of Kernel Bugs" blog, the plug is the second fix the Mac maker has released this week. According to the Apple alert, the update corrects a vulnerability that affects the Mac OS X client and server versions 10.4.8.

Apple Plugs QuickTime Security Hole
January 24, 2007

Apple released a fix Tuesday to patch a critical flaw in its QuickTime media player. The patch came 23 days after the "Month of Apple Bugs" blog revealed the vulnerability to the public. The MOAB blog, which has pledged to publish an Apple software-related bug every day during the month of January, claimed that the flaw has already been successfully exploited.

Apple Patches 31 OS X Security Holes
November 29, 2006

Apple has issued software updates to fix 31 security holes in various versions of its OS X operating system. The Mac maker on Tuesday sent the free updates to its users via its online software update service. Consumers can also download the patches directly from Apple's Web site.