Leopard Update Masks Security Threat

When Vista experienced problems on takeoff, it resulted in a huge media debate that continues to this day. However, when Apple launches an update that experiences growing pains of its own, the media jabber is at an all time low. What gives?

Proponents of the infallibility of Macs might be surprised to know that the new Mac OS X 10.5.3 Leopard update has a host of problems to combat. From simple issues like USB devises not showing up in the finder (Mac's version of My Computer) to ensuring that the airport wireless detector is reliable, the upgrade has a long list of small to large problems to deal with. (Source: dailytech.com)

Of the new fix, Apple promises it "includes general operating system fixes that enhance the stability, compatibility and security of your Mac," although they seem to say that about every security update. The update boasts 300 new features which work with applications and accessories in the existing Leopard system. (Source: apple.com)

Apple has tried to put the focus on the positive side of its Leopard 10.5.3 update. The website has not given much information about important security upgrades embedded among the new features.

The major security hitch is in iCal, a day-planner application that also allows users to coordinate with other computers to share calendars, coordinate TV-show watching or plan sports events. The vulnerability with the program leaves it prone to remote hacking. Three possible vulnerabilities were discovered by Core Security Technologies: "Two of them could crash the iCal program, but the third could allow a hacker to take control of another person's computer." (Source: technewsworld.com)

Leopard is also experiencing application terminations and arbitrary code in other programs, such as Apple Pixlet Video, ATS, CoreGraphics, Help Viewer, iCal, AppKit, AFP Server, Core Foundation, and Flash Player Plug-in. The update promises to remedy all these glitches. (Source: efluxmedia.com)

This update is a wake-up call to any Mac users, those owning Leopard especially, who are not timely about security updates. Not even Macs are impervious to code flaws, viruses, or hacking.  Who knew?