Apple updates iTunes, Apple TV

Stephen Withers
Friday, 03 October 2008 10:41

Opinion and Analysis

Two separate issues involving movie files can trigger stack buffer overflow or memory corruption, both of which might be exploited to cause a crash or - more seriously - the execution of arbitrary code.

The third fix improves the processing of PICT images to avoid crashing.

Two of these three bugs were also squashed in the recently released QuickTime 7.5.5 for Mac OS X and Windows.

Some people are prone to discount the importance of security patches for the Apple TV, asserting that because it's only used for watching videos etc and it isn't a general-purpose computer, there's nothing to worry about.

But what Apple has fixed are vulnerabilities that can be exploited through media files. So unless you're scrupulously careful about where you source your videos, there's plenty of room to be pwned.

And there's more to 2.2 than security fixes.

According to users, Apple TV 2.2 better handles HD versions of purchased shows, offers more extensive playlist support, including Genius playlists.

The new version of the software is automatically downloaded to the Apple TV according to its update schedule, but if you're in a hurry the process can be triggered manually.