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.

Advertisement

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:

Comments

White papers

Related jobs

More Accounting jobs

Spotlight

Stuart Bridges, Hiscox

Stuart Bridges: FD of Hiscox

Dull is the new black in these straightened times –...

Top 30 Accounting Networks and Associations 2008

The race to become the biggest firm on the planet...

Barack Obama Accountancy Age cover October 2008

Obama: asset or liability?

What an Obama presidency could mean for you

Find your next job

Find your next job
Salary Checker

Job of the week

More finance jobs

Newsletters

Sign up here for the very latest news delivered to your inbox. Choose from the following options:

Your next job

Have your say

Will proposed tax cuts help to stimulate the economy?
Yes
No

Advertisement

Search white papers

Search white papers

Advertisement