About the security content of Java for OS X 2012-003 and Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 8

Learn about the security content of Java for OS X 2012-003 and Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 8.

This document describes the security content of Java for OS X 2012-003 and Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 8, which can be downloaded and installed via Software Update preferences, or from Apple Downloads.

For the protection of our customers, Apple does not disclose, discuss, or confirm security issues until a full investigation has occurred and any necessary patches or releases are available. To learn more about Apple Product Security, see the Apple Product Security website.

For information about the Apple Product Security PGP Key, see "How to use the Apple Product Security PGP Key."

Where possible, CVE IDs are used to reference the vulnerabilities for further information.

To learn about other Security Updates, see "Apple Security Updates".

Java for OS X 2012-003 and Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 8

• Java

Available for: OS X Lion v10.7.3, OS X Lion Server v10.7.3. Impact: The Java browser plugin and Java Web Start are deactivated if they remain unused for 35 days Description: As a security hardening measure, the Java browser plugin and Java Web Start are deactivated if they are unused for 35 days. Installing this update will automatically deactivate the Java browser plugin and Java Web Start. Users may re-enable Java if they encounter Java applets on a web page or Java Web Start applications. Further information is available at http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5242

• Java

Available for: Mac OS X v10.6.8, Mac OS X Server v10.6.8, OS X Lion v10.7.3, OS X Lion Server v10.7.3.

Impact: A Flashback malware removal tool will be run

Description: This update runs a malware removal tool that will remove the most common variants of the Flashback malware. If the Flashback malware is found, it presents a dialog notifying the user that malware was removed. There is no indication to the user if malware is not found.

Note: These updates include the security content from Java for OS X 2012-002 and Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 7.