Java for OS X 2013-002 Update Released to Address New Java Vulnerability
Another Java security update has been issued to Mac OS X users to address a new vulnerability discovered with the browser plugin. Labeled Java for OS X 2013-002, the release updates Java SE 6 to version 1.6.0_43 in both OS X Lion (10.7) and OS X Mountain Lion (10.8) if you have used the Java plugin recently. For individuals who have not used the Java plugin recently, the plugin is instead disabled.
Apple’s release notes about the 2013-002 update are as follows:
This release updates the Apple-provided system Java SE 6 to version 1.6.0_43 and is for OS X versions 10.7 or later.
This update uninstalls the Apple-provided Java applet plug-in from all web browsers. To use applets on a web page, click on the region labeled “Missing plug-in” to go download the latest version of the Java applet plug-in from Oracle.
This update also removes the Java Preferences application, which is no longer required to configure applet settings.
Java for OS X 2013-002 Update is available for download through the Mac App Store, or through Software Update found in the Apple menu.
If you’re tired of downloading the increasingly frequent Java updates, or you simply no longer want to have to think about potential security issues with Java and the Java browser plugins, consider manually disabling it in the web browser you use, or even system wide.
For the java luddite, such as me, some websites have java script designed to display information and keep it updated while you remain on the website. If I uninstall java would these java scripts still work in Safari?
Uninstalling Java has no impact on Javascript, despite the similar names they are two different things. Confusing!
Unfortunately, disabling Java is not an option for me. There are several, web based, applications that I use for my job that require Java. I need it, regardless of whether or not I want it. If continued updates are the price I pay for security, then so be it.
I remember doing a clean install of Mt. Lion and after installing and running CS6 (Photoshop and Illustrator in particular), it prompted me to install Java. Can someone tell me if Java is really needed for both applications?
Thanks.
Thanks Jack. I don’t so much mind having it installed, but I’m sick and tired of the frequent updates.
Unless you are a developer, can’t see the reason to even install it.
i did a clean install of 10.8 on my mac pro about a month ago and haven’t missed it. if you have it and want to delete it, here’s some easy terminal commands:
sudo rm -rf /System/Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/*.jdk
sudo rm -rf /Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/*.jdk
sudo rm -rf /Library/Internet\ Plug-Ins/JavaAppletPlugin.plugin
sudo rm -rf /Library/PreferencePanes/JavaControlPanel.prefpane