Apple has released version 4.0.5 of its Safari browser, fixing a number of issues with its browser for Windows and Mac OS X including – most importantly – a grand total of 16 security vulnerabilities.
If you dilly-dally over updating your computer, it’s possible that hackers could exploit the security bugs – including some that could mean that simply visiting a webpage with a maliciously crafted image could lead to malicious code being automatically run on your computer.
Interestingly, one of the bugs (CVE-2009-2285) fixed in Safari 4.0.5 was announced and patched in Mac OS X 10.6.2 back in December 2009, and in Mac OS X 10.5 since January, meaning that Windows users of Safari have been vulnerable for over two months to the way their browser handles booby-trapped TIFF images.
But it doesn’t matter whether you own a Mac or PC, if you run Safari the message is clear: It’s time to update your browser and ensure that you are protected against hackers exploiting the security holes detailed in the security advisory on Apple’s website.
Safari users should practise safe computing, and update their systems as soon as possible.
