Apple blocks Java on Macs over security flaws

Date: February 1, 2013

(0)
Comments 46

Security flaw ... Apple has blocked Oracle's Java for the second time this year. Photo: AP

Feds maintain Java warning, despite fix

Apple Mac computers have stopped running programs written using the Java programming language in their browsers, after Apple blocked it for the second time this year due to security problems.

Apple has previously blocked, then unblocked, the latest version of Java on the most recent versions of its Mac operating system — most recently in January.

Were you affected by the block? Email us

On Friday Apple also started blocking an older version of the Mac system, called Snow Leopard, from running Java 6, also an older version.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recommends disabling Java in web browsers because it has provided pathways for hackers to take control of computers that visit a website rigged with malicious software.

Oracle, which owns Java, has issued updates that fix known vulnerabilities, but the DHS expects there are more.

Oracle had no immediate comment on Apple's action.

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46 comments so far

How would Apple feel if Microsoft blocked iTunes on all Windows PCs?
The arrogance of Apple knows no bounds.

Commenter

SmallTalk

Location

Sydney

Date and time

February 01, 2013, 9:15AM
- They've blocked the Java browser plugin in Safari, not all Java programs. Seems like a sensible decision to me, not arrogance.
  
  Commenter
  
  Dan
  
  Location
  
  Melbourne
  
  Date and time
  
  February 01, 2013, 9:25AM
- what?
  do you understand, there is a serious security flaw with java? Apple is to be congratulated on their stance.
  It's just a shame Microsoft doesn't have the same corporate responsibility and Windows lacks the capability to disable old Java versions. Perhaps MS Security Essentials needs an update too?
  
  Commenter
  
  Ben
  
  Location
  
  syd
  
  Date and time
  
  February 01, 2013, 9:39AM
- @Smalltalk
  What? You are comparing a proprietary program to a free plug-in. You are not even comparing Apples (cough) with Oranges...you are comparing Apples with spending a day at the park and painting a water colour! So ridiculous....
  
  Commenter
  
  Bianca
  
  Location
  
  Camden
  
  Date and time
  
  February 01, 2013, 11:29AM
- I have a better question - why doesn't Apple's JMV updater update java automatically like it does on windows? The second question is, why can't Safari block a particular version of a JVM like Firefox can (as does)?
  
  Commenter
  
  Jase
  
  Location
  
  Melbourne
  
  Date and time
  
  February 01, 2013, 12:02PM
- @Jase - "click to play" if the firefox method. Great idea, gives the user a choice.
  @Bianca - You're right, apple's arrogance is beyond comparison.
  
  Commenter
  
  SmallTalk
  
  Location
  
  Sydney
  
  Date and time
  
  February 01, 2013, 12:23PM
- They have 'blocked' java by turning it off in Safari.
  It can be turned back on in Safari Preferences.
  The arrogance of anti-Apple posters knows no bounds!
  
  Commenter
  
  richardw
  
  Location
  
  Date and time
  
  February 01, 2013, 12:30PM
- @Jase: probably a resource question. Apple are lot less tolerant of this stuff than Microsoft; happier to take a short-term hit to their regard over a long-term accommodation of something they see as not being in their interests (ie being perceived as a secure, intuitive, low-maintenance OS).
  
  Commenter
  
  m0g
  
  Location
  
  Date and time
  
  February 01, 2013, 12:40PM
- Are any of you guys programmers? If you were, you might realise that the JIT technology in Java particularly on the server side makes it somewhere near comparable to C or C++ in terms of performance, but without the higher level of vulnerability associated with those languages. The maturity of Java JVMs in this area is years ahead of most other alternatives. Also the adoption of Java on the server side is entrenched enough that some hissy fit from Apple won't change things much on that front. This whole thing is just another aspect of Apple's attack on any web technology that does not suit it's own agenda. Who could forget Steve Jobs ranting and raving regarding Flash Player on iOS, which he saw as a threat given it provided a way for developers to sell software outside the App Store. It took the threat of an antitrust investigation in the US for him to back down. This is all about Apple keeping Apple customers locked into the Apple App Store, and nothing more. We've seen it all before.
  
  Commenter
  
  sun
  
  Location
  
  Date and time
  
  February 01, 2013, 4:02PM
- Oops - my mistake.
  I hadn't tested as I have been avoiding Java for a long time.
  I just tested - it is blocked even if re-enabled. It is checking for the version and will help you to download a new version.
  Unfortunately Oracle has not released a safe version yet so the update won't work.
  Apple gets bashed either way though - if Macs get infected everyone says it's Apple's fault. If Apple does something about the insecure software then Apple is arrogant.
  Sorry everyone who thinks preventing security holes is arrogance. Go back to your security holes you love.
  
  Commenter
  
  richardw
  
  Location
  
  Date and time
  
  February 01, 2013, 11:36PM

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