Mac users, do this now: Apple issues patch for OS X Mavericks SSL vulnerability

By Konrad Krawczyk February 25, 2014

Image used with permission by copyright holder

After a security researcher discovered an SSL hole that could allow hackers to acquire a user’s data through a shared Wi-Fi network, Apple has released an update that plugs this hole. The new patch applies to both OS X Mavericks, the latest version of Apple’s desktop operating system, as well as OS X Mountain Lion. The flaw was commonly referred to as the “gotofail” bug.

On top of plugging the security hole, the newest OS X patch, which bumps Mavericks’ version number to 10.9.2, also introduces a couple of new features to some OS X apps, like FaceTime. With the new patch, FaceTime users could place and receive audio-only calls. On top of that, this patch also claims to improve how the Mail app tallies how many unread emails you have, allegedly fixes an issue with the Mac App Store that told users there are software updates for apps that were completely up to date, and much more. You can read about the full list of changes in OS X 10.9.2 by clicking here, or by checking out the image below.

osx2 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

How to download OS X Mavericks 10.9.2 update

To grab the latest update for OS X Mavericks, simply clicking the Apple icon in the upper-left-hand corner of the screen and hitting “Software Update.” Doing so will automatically take you to the Mac App Store and search for any available updates. When OS X 10.9.2 comes up, hit the gray “Update” button in the upper-right-hand corner, then hit “Download & Restart” once OS X prompts you to.

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Once your Mac has restarted, OS X Mavericks will be updated to version 10.9.2, and you should no longer be vulnerable to this security flaw.

What do you think? Sound off in the comments below.

Topics

Apple
Apple

Konrad Krawczyk

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Konrad covers desktops, laptops, tablets, sports tech and subjects in between for Digital Trends. Prior to joining DT, he…

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