Apple issues security update for Mac OS X

Apple has issued an update to fix 13 security flaws in its OS X operating system.

The listing on the Apple support page, added on 24 August, shows that a number of the flaws could potentially have led to the execution of arbitrary code or the interception of sensitive user credentials, two conditions that can lead to the complete compromise of a system.

Three open-source components of the OS, namely PHP, Samba and ClamAV were also found to contain weaknesses that could lead to denial of service (DoS) attacks or the executuion of arbitrary code by attackers.

The update is available to Macs running OS X 10.5.8, 10.6.4 and Mac OS X 10.6.4 Server edition and can be downloaded by running an automatic software update check or directly from the Apple downloads website.

Apple recently had to release a patch for its mobile iOS operating system to fix an issue that, if exploited, would grant a maliciously crafted PDF full access to the device. This particular security issue came to light when it was found that exploiting the hole would allow users to jailbreak their iPhones. Apple subsequently patched the vulnerability on 12 August.