Apple issues first Snow Leopard update, fixes multiple vulnerabilities

by Parm Mann on 11 September 2009, 10:56

Tags: Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard, Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL)

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A critical update for Apple's Mac OS X Snow Leopard operating system has been issued a fortnight after the manufacturer originally launched the software.

Snow Leopard, launched on August 28th, has been upgraded to version 10.6.1 to include numerous fixes that are said to enhance the stability, compatibility and security of the software.

The update's most critical component is a fix for multiple vulnerabilities in the Adobe Flash Player plug-in. Describing the problem, Apple states that "multiple issues exist in the Adobe Flash Player plug-in, the most serious of which may lead to arbitrary code execution when viewing a maliciously crafted web site".

"The issues are addressed by updating the Flash Player plug-in to version 10.0.32.18", it adds. The Cupertino, California-based manufacturer had previously been criticised by security experts for shipping its latest operating system with an out-dated version of the Flash plug-in.

In addition to security enhancements, version 10.6.1 includes the following fixes for stability and compatibility:

  • compatibility with some Sierra Wireless 3G modems
  • an issue that might cause DVD playback to stop unexpectedly
  • some printer compatibility drivers not appearing properly in the add printer browser
  • an issue that might make it difficult to remove an item from the Dock
  • instances where automatic account setup in Mail might not work
  • an issue where pressing cmd-opt-t in Mail brings up the special characters menu instead of moving a message
  • Motion 4 becoming unresponsive

Mac OS X Snow Leopard can be updated to v10.6.1 via the operating system's built-in Software Update functionality, or from Apple Downloads.

HEXUS Forums :: 6 Comments

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Posted by TheAnimus - Fri 11 Sep 2009 11:14
But Apple dosen't have security flaws. The adverts tell us so.
Posted by badass - Fri 11 Sep 2009 15:05
TheAnimus
But Apple dosen't have security flaws. The adverts tell us so.

Not really - they just give the misleading impression they dont without actually saying it. Funny that as one of their adverts took the mick out of PC's ease of use by showing small print erupting every time the “PC” spoke.
Posted by Whiternoise - Mon 14 Sep 2009 23:12
To be fair it's Adobe's vulnerabilities rather than Apple's, no?

If i remember right, most actual OS's are pretty secure these days. Whenever there's that annual hacking competition where you get to keep what you hack, the guys never bother when it's a straight hack on the operating system, they always wait to execute code within a browser.

Half the problem is people clicking on things they shouldn't anyway… and then putting in their sudo password when prompted… :facepalm:
Posted by TheAnimus - Tue 15 Sep 2009 09:03
Whiternoise
To be fair it's Adobe's vulnerabilities rather than Apple's, no?

If i remember right, most actual OS's are pretty secure these days. Whenever there's that annual hacking competition where you get to keep what you hack, the guys never bother when it's a straight hack on the operating system, they always wait to execute code within a browser.

Half the problem is people clicking on things they shouldn't anyway… and then putting in their sudo password when prompted… :facepalm:
No, they had fixed it, they have to work well with vendors that have such products to ensure its the securest version at time of print.

Also, they should question the security model of their browser.

(ie the total lack of one).
Posted by Yosh - Tue 15 Sep 2009 18:33
I was under the impression the biggest flaw was an outdated version of Flash, not really a big deal when anyone with sense would have read about their new OS and updated it after install.

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