Mac OS X 10.3.4 Released

sizemoresr writes "The 10.3.4 Update delivers enhanced functionality and improved reliability for Mac OS X v10.3 'Panther' and is recommended for all users. Key enhancements include: improved file sharing and directory services for Mac (AFP), UNIX (NFS), PPTP, and wireless networks; improved OpenGL technology and updated ATI and NVIDIA graphics drivers; improved disc burning and recording functionality; iPods connected via USB 2.0 are now recognized by iTunes and iSync; additional FireWire audio and USB device compatibility; updated Address Book, Mail, Safari, Stickies, and QuickTime applications; improved compatibility for third party applications; previous standalone security updates."

Comments

No fix on recent exploits

[jeffasselin]

From what I could see by carefully reading the technical info on it, it doesn't appear to fix the recently discovered protocol handler exploits, apart from the earlier fix for the help: exploit (which doesn't appear to cure ALL help: exploits).

These exploits are serious, and will require a significant overhaul of the protocol handler code as well as a possible revision on the handling of downloadable disc images in Safari (which is a factor in many of the exploits). Yes, they could have waited, but if 10.3.4 was already ready, I'd prefer for Apple to release it on time and give us the fixes they can right now, and then work on the recent problems to provide us a good security patch (or maybe a 10.3.5) when they've fixed it.

Re:No fix on recent exploits

[MonkeyBoy]

From the front page of [url=http://www.macintouch.com]Macintouch[/url] today:

The solution I came up with seems to work perfectly so far, only takes a few seconds to implement, and doesn't require installing any third-party software as other solutions I've seen do:

Go to /Applications/Firefox.app/Contents/MacOS/chrome
O pen all.js in any text editor, though preferably vim. :)
Search for the term "protocol-handler".
Under the two lines addressing "mailto" and "news", add the following lines of code:
pref("network.protocol-handler.external.hel p" , false); // disable help protocol
pref("network.protocol-handler.external. disk" , false); // disable disk protocol

Restart Firefox.

Thanks!

[Apiakun]

Ahh, thank you ssh and apple for allowing me to do this: ($:~)-> softwareupdate -i MacOSXUpdate10.3.4-10.3.4 Now my box will be nice and updated before I even leave work.

This should help.

[Padrino121]

Apple's KB article on the 10.3.4 update. http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=257 64

Re:Hopefully it fixes the recent exploits

[MisterSquid]

However, I wish Apple would provide more information on their updates.

Apple always provides complete information about their updates in the Apple Knowledgebase. The information for the 10.3.4 update is here.