Apple releases Mac OS X 10.6.3 update

Apple has released Mac OS X 10.6.3, an update that improves the operating system's stability, compatibility and security. In addition to other changes, the update addresses a total of 65 security holes, some of which can be exploited to hijack a user's system. According to Apple, it is sufficient, in many cases, to simply visit a specially crafted website. A total of nine critical vulnerabilities have been fixed in QuickTime alone.

The update reportedly improves the performance and stability of Logic Pro 9 and Main Stage 2 when running in 64-bit mode and addresses issues related to glowing, stuck or dark pixels on iSight cameras in the latest iMacs. Other changes include a fix for a colour issue in iMovie affecting HD movies and improved printing and third party USB reliability. For the first time, under Mac OS X 10.6.3 users can now automatically collect and send diagnostic and usage information about their system and send it to Apple for analysis.

Additionally, Apple has also revised and improved its Mail.app email application, the iChat instant messanger, QuickTime X, Time Machine, Parental Controls, Rosetta, MobileMe and the iCal calendar application. A full list of changes and security updates can be found in the advisories below.

All users are advised to upgrade to the latest release via the built-in Software Update function as soon as possible. The 10.6.3 client update weighs in at 719.23 MB, while the 10.6.3 combo update that includes 10.6.1 and 10.6.2 comes in at 784 MB. The 10.6.3 Server updates are 831.31 MB and 897.32 MB respectively (Standard / Combo).

Apple has also released a separate security update for Mac OS X 10.5.8 (Leopard: Client - 78.39 MB, Server - 361.40 MB) that corrects several security vulnerabilities.

See also:

• About the security content of Security Update 2010-002 / Mac OS X v10.6.3, security advisory from Apple.
• About the Mac OS X v10.6.3 Update, advisory from Apple.
• Mac OS X: "safer, but less secure", a report from The H.

(crve)