Apple has released the latest update to Mac OS X, version 10.4.5, comprising general operating system fixes, as well as specific patches for several applications and technologies.
The update addresses several Internet, iDisk, and networking problems. Among these it addresses an issue where Safari would unexpectedly quit when deleting AOL mail messages via AOL webmail; enables Apple’s IPSec VPN client to work with Cisco servers whether or not NAT is used; addresses an issue in which you could not sync with an iDisk larger than 4GB; stores files copied across a network via Portable Home Directories as temporary files until the transfer is complete, in case the network connection is interrupted before the transfer finished; and addresses an issue in which some Epson printers could not successfully print via AirPort Extreme.
It also allows the rotating cube effect to appear as expected on both a primary and a mirrored display, when switching users via Fast User switching; addresses an issue for Mac OS X 10.4.4 in which background columns of text within the RSS Visualizer screen saver are sometimes superimposed over one another; prevents the Setup Assistant from unexpectedly quitting if Kotoeri is selected as the keyboard type following an English language installation of Mac OS X; ensures that Console no longer reports a series of ‘Quartz Composer QuickTime Component’ messages for iMovie ’06 when applying a Ken Burns clip or image; addresses an issue for iMovie HD and Mac OS X 10.4.4 in which iMovie could unexpectedly quit when switching themes; and addresses a potential issue that could cause the system process ‘configd’ to unexpectedly stall.
Also included are fixes specific to the new Intel-based Macs. The update ensures that dragging a widget out of the widget bar while the desktop picture is changing (automatically, for example) no longer stops the animation on an Intel-based Mac; ensures that Flip4Mac now installs correctly; eliminates some potential video redraw issues when using Front Row; allows applications that run using Rosetta to open files that are located via an Open window’s ‘search’ field; addresses an issue in which Rosetta-translated applications would not correctly receive Keychain notifications; and addresses an issue when viewing streaming media behind a firewall on Intel Macs.
OS X 10.4.5 is available via Software Update or from www.apple.com/support/downloads.
UPDATED:
The latest Mac OS X update fixes an uncritical flaw that could be used to crash the system.
Apple notes that the vulnerability was caused by an unspecified error in an undocumented system call and could can be exploited by malicious, local users to cause a DoS (denial of service).
The vulnerability is fixed in the OS X 10.4.5 updates for both PowerPC and Intel Macs.
Disclaimer: Some pages on this site may include an affiliate link. This does not effect our editorial in any way.
