A new OS X security update has been released by Apple that fixes an issue with the Network Time Protocol feature.
Earlier this month it was reported that there was an issue with the service allowing hackers to execute arbitrary code while using ntpd privileges – gaining remote control of machines.
Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute and the Department of Homeland Security made the security issues public in security bulletins.
A statement from the company said:
“For the protection of our customers, Apple does not disclose, discuss or confirm security issues until a full investigation has occurred and any necessary patches or releases are available,”
According to Apple spokesman Bill Evans, the company released the new software update to address critical security vulnerabilities in a component of its OS X operating system called the network time protocol, or NTP.
But Apple highly recommends that all OS X Yosemite, Mavericks and Mountain Lion users download the update.
Apple recommends the update for all users.
Users can download the update through the Software Update option in the Apple menu and selecting the Update button.
Evans said that Apple wanted to protect customers as soon as possible because of the severity of the vulnerabilities.
“The update is seamless,” he said. “It doesn’t even require a restart.”
