Apple working to fix browser security flaw in Mac

Published- May 21 2009
By Connie Guglielmo

Apple said it’s working to fix a security flaw in its Macintosh operating system software that may allow malicious programs to attack Mac computers as users browse the Web.

A flaw in the Java software in Mac OS X lets hackers plant malicious code on Web sites that can be used to access and attack Apple’s computers, according to an advisory from Intego, a maker of security software for the Mac. Mac users can pick up the code merely by visiting infected sites, Intego said.

“We are aware of the issue and we are working on a fix,” said Monica Sarkar, a spokeswoman for Apple. She declined to provide further details.

Intego said Apple has been aware of the problem for at least five months. While it hasn’t found any malicious programs that take advantage of the problem, Intego said “publicity around this vulnerability will mean that hackers are likely to attempt to exploit it quickly before Apple issues an update.”

Java, a program developed by Sun Microsystems that is included in most Web browsers, should be disabled, Intego said.

Apple, based in Cupertino, California, fell $1.58 to $125.87 at 4 p.m. New York time in Nasdaq Stock Market trading. The stock has gained 48 percent this year. (Bloomberg)

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