14 DAY TRIAL // Alongside OS X 10.9.2 and Security Update 2014-001, Apple has released standalone downloads of its Safari web browser, addressing a serious WebKit flaw in the application across OS X versions from 2011 to 2013.
Encountered in OS X Lion v10.7.5, OS X Lion Server v10.7.5, OS X Mountain Lion v10.8.5, and OS X Mavericks v10.9.1, a WebKit flaw would lead to “unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution,” by visiting a maliciously crafted website.
Apple explains in its advisory that “multiple memory corruption issues existed in WebKit,” all of which have been addressed in Safari 7.0.2 and Safari 6.1.2 through improved memory handling.
OS X Mavericks users get Safari 7.0.2 as part of the 10.9.2 update rolled out yesterday, while OS X Mountain Lion customers can obtain Safari 6.1.2 from the Mac App Store. OS X Lion users must use the Software Update tool to get Safari 6.1.2. The update can also be downloaded manually from Apple Support and Softpedia.
Apple has been on a rampage fixing numerous security issues in its desktop software these past few days. Despite promptly patching every known flaw within days of its discovery, the company has been criticized by the security industry for moving at a relatively slow pace.