Operating System: Mac OS X (x8664) version 10.10.1 Java Version: 1.6.065, Apple Inc. Java VM Version: Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (mixed mode), Apple Inc. Memory: 89199544 bytes (85 MB) / 319746048 bytes (304 MB) up to bytes (1011 MB). In February 2018 Mac users were being warned of a variant of adware that is infecting Macs via a fake Adobe Flash Player installer. Intego identifed it as a new variant of the OSX/Shlayer Malware.
- I should have checked the git issues before, but I can confirm the bug on Firefox 42 on OS X 10.11. Behaves like expected in all other browsers. Removed will-change and it seems to work again in Firefox.
- For SUUNTO Spartan model watches, bug was fixed with firmware release 2.8.32. The control panel in Classic Mac OS versions 6, 7, and 8 only allows the date to be set as high as 31 December 2019, although the system is able to continue to advance time beyond that date.
- I am happy to report that this bug in OS X 10.8 will be gone in 10.8.3. It was fixed as of 10.8.3 beta Build 12D65, released for AppleSeed testing today. I am typing on it right now.
Earlier this week, Apple released updates for iPadOS and iOS to fix a bug that prevented devices running the latest software from joining FaceTime calls with some older devices. Now, Apple has done the same with macOS and watchOS, but the macOS update includes a few additional fixes, too.
Apple has labeled the macOS update as a 'supplemental update' to Catalina 10.15.4, indicating that it is focused on timely bug fixes. Apple says the update fixes an issue that caused Office 365 users to be repeatedly prompted to enter their passwords; addresses a problem that could cause 2020 MacBook Airs to stop working under certain circumstances when disconnecting some external displays; and resolves a problem that prevented USB-C ports from working.We discussed the FaceTime bug when the iOS update hit on Tuesday; a previous software update caused a problem that prevented users of devices running macOS 10.15.4 or iOS/iPadOS 13.4 from communicating via FaceTime with users running iOS 9.3.6 or OS X 10.11.6 or earlier. Obviously, a near-global shelter-in-place order meant that bug had some very unfortunate timing, so Apple was fairly quick to remedy it.
AdvertisementHere are Apple's release notes for the macOS update:
Ritualist mac os. macOS Catalina 10.15.4 supplemental update improves the stability and security of your Mac.
- Fixes an issue where Mac computers running macOS Catalina 10.15.4 could not participate in FaceTime calls with devices running iOS 9.3.6 and earlier or OS X El Capitan 10.11.6 and earlier
- Resolves an issue where you may repeatedly receive a password prompt for an Office 365 account
- Fixes an issue where MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2020) may hang in Setup Assistant or when disconnecting and reconnecting a 4K or 5K external display
- Resolves an issue where a USB-C port in your Mac may become unresponsive
There's less to say about the watchOS update; it's just there to address the FaceTime issue. Here's what Apple says about today's watchOS 6.2.1 changes:
- Fixes an issue where devices running watchOS 6.2 could not participate in FaceTime audio calls with devices running iOS 9.3.6 and earlier or OS X El Capitan 10.11.6 and earlier.
Both updates are already available to all devices supported by Catalina or watchOS 6.
Heartbleed. Shellshock. Well we've learned the names of these dangerous bugs that sound like Taylor Swift song titles. Heartbleed affected virtually every website out there. It was a notorious bug that had laid dormant for years and while the fix was easy, it had to be implemented by every individual developer.
Security expert Robert Graham says Shellshock is bigger than Heartbleed.
I think I was wrong saying #shellshock was as big as #heartbleed. It's bigger.
— () {:;}Robert Graham (@ErrataRob) September 25, 2014
So what exactly is this Shellshock bug and how does it affect your Mac? Let's talk about it and the solution.
What Is Shellshock?
Underneath the graphical user interface runs code – commands that run processes and provide you with the output on the screen.
In Bash, the command line interface in OS X, a string of text can be stored as a variable. Programmers turn text into variables so they don't have to type them again and again.
For example you can say:
Z ='this is a long string of text'
And later on if you say echo $Z, the command line will insert the text where you want it. This is meant to be treated as text and not as a command. And this is where the bug is.
In the Bash command line used by Linux and OS X, if you type a certain character at the start of the variable, you can turn it into a command.
The text being: () { :;};
This means that commands that were not sanctioned by the system or the developer, even commands that are blocked due to their malicious or disruptive nature can run if they have this prefix.
Shellshock (or the Bash bug if we're being technical) is only limited to UNIX based systems. Meaning OS X and Linux. Windows users are not affected by this bug.
Mac Os Mojave
For a more technical explanation check out Vox's excellent breakdown of the Shellshock bug. Alternatively, check out the video below for the same simple explanation, in a British accent.
How Does The Shellshock Bug Affect You
Directly, it does not.
But while apps in OS X run in a sandboxed mode, they do talk to each other – to offload tasks to other apps or to ask for system level functionality. All this talk takes place using code, in the Terminal.
During one of these exchanges, one app can add the prefix in the quotes and turn it into a command. These commands can either wipe your computer, render it useless, copy the contents of your drive or any number of things possible via the command line.
How To Patch The Shellshock Bug
Fortunately, Apple has said that only a small number of OS X users are susceptible to the Shellshock bug. But it's advisable that if you are on a Mac running OS X Lion, Mountain Lion or Mavericks, install the fix update from the links below. There's no fix for Yosemite beta users yet.
Ahhhh Bugs Mac Os X
- Lion
- Mountain Lion
- Mavericks
The update for Mavericks is only 3.2 MB and comes as a DMG file. The process of installation is simple and you don't even need to restart your Mac.
It's a standard package installer in a DMG file. Open the installer and press Next a couple of times and the update will be installed.
That's about it. Stay safe.
Top image via Shutterstock
The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
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