Apple has released a Java update that removes the Flashback Trojan that had
infected over half-a-million Macs around the globe.
Apple had received
plenty of heat for the problem, despite reports earlier this week suggesting Apple was
working on a fix. The download will be a welcome relief for those affected.
The update also disables automatic execution of Java applets, a move that aims to check similar outbreaks in the future.
Update's
release notes in full:
This Java security update removes the most common variants of the Flashback malware.
This update also configures the Java web plug-in to disable the automatic execution of Java applets. Users may re-enable automatic execution of Java applets using the Java Preferences application. If the Java web plug-in detects that no applets have been run for an extended period of time it will again disable Java applets.
Java for OS X Lion 2012-003 delivers Java SE 6 version 1.6.0_31 and supersedes all previous versions of Java for OS X Lion.
This update is recommended for all Mac users with Java installed.
Later on Friday, Apple released
another update that removes non-Java variants of the Trojan. Release notes:
This Flashback malware removal tool that will remove the most common variants of the Flashback malware.
If the Flashback malware is found, a dialog will be presented notifying the user that malware was removed.
In some cases, the Flashback malware removal tool may need to restart your computer in order to completely remove the Flashback malware.
This update is recommended for all OS X Lion users without Java installed.