Safari 4.0.2 tweaked for security, compatibility and stability

Stephen Withers
Thursday, 09 July 2009 03:29

IT Industry - Development

Apple has released a third version of Safari in just over a month.

As usual, Apple's description of the changes in Safari is brief: version 4.0.2 "improves the stability of the Nitro JavaScript engine and includes the latest compatibility and security fixes."

There are two security fixes, both in WebKit. One overcomes an issue that could permit cross-site scripting, the other addresses a memory corruption issue that could allow remote code execution.

Safari 4.0.2 is available for Mac OS X 10.5.7 and 10.4.11, and Windows XP or Vista. The update is available via Apple Support Downloads or it can be installed by using Software Update (Apple Software Update on Windows).

The browser was previously updated in mid June to overcome incompatibilities with iPhoto 09.

Originally released in early June, Safari 4.0 introduced Top Sites (a 'video wall' preview of most frequently visited sites), Cover Flow display of history and bookmarks, the Nitro JavaScript engine, and other new features.

Common complaints among users include the replacement of the progress bar with a spinning indicator that shows only that the page hasn't finished loading, and the relocation of the reload button to the right end of the URL box.

According to StatCounter, Safari's web share is currently around 3 percent. Net Applications most recent figure (for May 2009) is a little over 8 percent.