The number of security vulnerabilities in Apple’s Mac OS X operating system has risen compared to last year’s figures.
A recent study by Kaspersky Lab has revealed a total of 60 security vulnerabilities discovered in the Mac OS X operating system during the first half of 2006. In contrast, the total for the entire year of 2005 was only 51 vulnerabilities.
However, vulnerabilities affecting the core of the Mac OS have significantly decreased. This year’s count stands at just 24, compared to last year’s 38 vulnerabilities.
The vulnerabilities identified this year primarily affect the Safari web browser, the Mail email application, and the QuickTime multimedia application. Nonetheless, the vulnerabilities in the Safari browser and Mail application that could be exploited via the Internet are on the rise.
Kaspersky Lab’s research also highlights the emergence of the first computer worm targeting Mac OS, which appeared last February. The Leap-A worm spread mainly through the instant messaging application iChat on Mac OS X, masquerading as a JPEG image.
Additionally, three other security vulnerabilities were discovered to have been exploited in attacks during February, with six other vulnerabilities exploited in April.
Researchers concluded that although the Mac OS X operating system has been safe from attacks until now, users should still exercise caution.
“Apple’s global market share is relatively low, which has allowed Mac OS X to remain safe from various malware. However, this will change as Mac OS X becomes more popular. The first issue to note is that malware authors have begun to pay attention to this operating system,” the report stated.
Hoang Dung
