Apple
The latest QuickTime flaws could allow for remote code execution

Apple patches two QuickTime holes

Java flaws affect Mac and Windows versions

Written by Shaun Nichols in California

Apple has released a security update addressing two vulnerabilities in its QuickTime multimedia player.

Mac OS X and Windows versions of the software are both affected, and the flaws could lead to unintentional disclosure of information or the ability to remotely execute malware.

The first fix addresses a flaw in the handling of JavaScript applets that could allow for remote code execution.

The exploit occurs when an attacker directs the user to a web page containing a specially crafted Java applet. The update allows the software to check and prevent the launch of the malformed code.

The second vulnerability also lies within the Java component of QuickTime. Apple said that unpatched versions of QuickTime fail to clear browser memory, possibly allowing a malicious Java applet to capture whatever information is being stored.

Apple's update forces QuickTime to clear the memory before an untrusted applet can be run.

Windows users can download the update from Apple's support website. Mac users can get the update through the OS X Software Update component. 

JavaScript flaws were also at the root of Apple's last QuickTime update. That patch was issued just 11 days after an independent researcher discovered and wrote an exploit for a QuickTime flaw in under 12 hours.  

Late last year, a QuickTime flaw was used to launch a major phishing attack on MySpace.

Tags:

reader comments

related articles

Apple worm

Apple issues 13 security fixes

Problems with CoreGraphics, Fetchmail, iChat and mDNSResponder 25 May 2007

 

iGasm ad rubs Apple up the wrong way

Legal eagles circle over Ann Summers stunt 24 May 2007

Apple goes on green offensive

Our products are greener than your products 03 May 2007

Apple iPhone gets thumbs-up from FCC

Federal Communications Commission approves Apple mobile for use 18 May 2007

QuickTime flaw adds to Apple's woes

Exploit especially dangerous for Firefox users 27 Nov 2007

Apple releases seven QuickTime fixes

Vulnerabilities affect OS X and Windows versions 09 Nov 2007

Apple QuickTime exploit goes wild

Streaming media flaw used to push malware 04 Dec 2007

related whitepapers

today's top stories

WiMax: Threat or opportunity?

We examine the merits of WiMax and its benefits relative to other wireless technologies in our latest video 13 Oct 2008

Learning from the credit crunch to avoid a broadband crunch

While it might be the most pressing issue de jour , the financial system isn’t the only area where government needs to... 10 Oct 2008

How careerism can warp IT procurement

Many working in IT put their career interests before those of their employer when weighing up purchasing options 10 Oct 2008

The definitive guide to software development

Five key trends and five best practice tips to help you improve your programming capabilities 09 Oct 2008

Computing podcast - IT implications of the banking crisis, and the FSA clamps down on IT security

We discuss the effect of shotgun mergers and acquisitions on financial services IT staff, and examine the industry regulator's plan to fine directors for information security breaches 09 Oct 2008

Advertisement

Newsletter signup

Sign up for our range of FREE newsletters:

Existing User

Newsletter user login:

Jobs

Related jobs

Job of the week

Job alerts

Sign up here

Find your next job


IT Salary Checker

Check salary here

Advertisement

White papers

Search white papers

Top categories

VPN, Extranet and Intranet Solutions

WAN/ LAN Solutions

Network Security

Interoperability-Connectivity

Grid/ Utility Computing

Latest poll

Are you worried about your job prospects in IT over the next 12 months?

Are you worried about your job prospects in IT over the next 12 months?

Will the economic crisis affect your job prospects?

Previous poll results

Latest audio and video articles

Remote workerVideo

WiMax: Threat or opportunity?

We examine the merits of WiMax and its benefits relative to other wireless technologies in our latest video 13 Oct 2008

programming codeVideo

The definitive guide to software development

Five key trends and five best practice tips to help you improve your programming capabilities 09 Oct 2008

Latest in-depth articles

Financial Services Authority buildingAnalysis

FSA threatens executives with fines

Senior management to be held accountable for security lapses at banks 09 Oct 2008

Comment

Broadband must be a spending priority

For the economic health of the nation, the government would do better to bankroll an optical fibre rollout rather than prop up profligate banks 09 Oct 2008

Advertisement

Primary Navigation