administrator

According to reports, Apple Computer has released 8 security fixes for the OS X and Windows versions of its QuickTime media player software. The company also released a security update for its iTunes software.

The company said that the QuickTime security update, version 7.1.5, delivers numerous bug fixes and addresses critical security issues. The fixes are for 8 flaws, all of which affect current versions of QuickTime for Windows Vista, XP, and 2000. And, seven of the vulnerabilities also affect OS X versions 10.3.9 and later. Besides, the update is recommended for all QuickTime 7 users.

In the security alert, Apple says the vulnerabilities in QuickTime expose both Macs and Windows PCs to cyber attacks. And, in all cases, an attacker could craft a malicious file which, when opened with QuickTime, could give the miscreant full control over a computer running the software.

Apple also pointed out that the problems lie in the way QuickTime handles a number of formats. The security update repairs problems in the way the software handles QuickTime, MIDI, 3GP, PICT, and QTIF files. And along with the fixes, QuickTime 7.1.5 also includes some functionality improvements.

The company has also released an update to iTunes with version 7.1, allowing users to enjoy their favorite iTunes movies, TV shows, music, and more with the upcoming Apple TV, which is due for release later this month. This update also supports a new full screen Cover Flow, and improved sorting options to let users decide how iTunes should sort their favorite artists, albums, and songs.

Meanwhile, iTunes 7.1 and QuickTime 7.1.5 are available for download from Apple's Web site, or via the software update mechanism in Mac OS X.