Apple Java Update Fixes Security Hole

Apple on Monday released Java for Mac OS X 10.5 Update 4 and Java for Mac OS X 10.4 Release 9, two updates that "deliver improved reliability, security and compatibility." Both are available through the Software Update system preference, or for download from Apple's Web site.

The tiger update makes changes to Java 2 Platform Standard Edition (J2SE) 5.0 and 1.4.2, while the Leopard update makes changes to Java SE 6, J2SE 6.0 and J2SE 1.4.2.

Both updates address previously reported exploits to Java that Sun Microsystems patched more than six months ago. Apple has faced criticism for its laggard response in incorporating Sun's changes to its own operating system.