Your Daily Computer Security Tips

Apple has released a patch for its QuickTime (QT) media player. In all, 10 critical flaws are repaired in the update, all of which could allow the dreaded arbitrary (or remote) code execution. That means an attack could allow a hacker to seize control of your computer. Both Windows PCs and Macs are affected.

This is the second patch for QuickTime this year. A total of 17 vulnerabilities have been fixed so far in 2009, compared to 30 in all of 2008. The update brings us to version 7.6.2.

A new version of iTunes was also released, which takes us to 8.2. It fixes a single critical flaw, as well as some other improvements.

To get your updates, launch QT and click Help, Update Existing Software. If you have iTunes, you can update QT and iTunes at once by clicking Help, Check for Updates. Be sure to uncheck the box for the Safari browser, if you do not want it.

You will also get Apple’s Bonjour Service, whether you like it or not. Bonjour locates content and resources for you, and facilitates sharing. If you find it to be a pain, you can uninstall it after your updates are complete. Go to your Control Panel, Add or Remove Programs.