"We have now verified that this issue affects both Windows and Mac operating systems, including Windows Vista through Internet Explorer," said Terri Forslof, manager of security response at TippingPoint.
Originally thought to be a Safari flaw, it was later revealed that the vulnerability was seated in the interaction between Java and QuickTime, and affected other Mac browsers such as Firefox.
"We strongly believe at this point that any Java-enabled browser that has the vulnerable QuickTime Java extension installed is affected by this issue," added Forslof.
Until Apple releases an update, computers may be protected by disabling Java support in every browser used on the system.
TippingPoint, a 3Com division, put up the $10,000 prize. The competition rules were relaxed to allow attacks via malicious web pages when nobody came up with an exploit that could take over a Mac that was merely sitting on a network.
Confirmed: QuickTime/Java flaw does affect Windows
The QuickTime/Java vulnerability that earned Dino Dai Zovi a $10,000 prize in a Mac hacking contest at the CanSecWest security conference also affects Windows, Tipping Point officials have confirmed.
RECRUITMENT & RETENTION REPORT 2013
HIRE OR FIRE? BUY OR BUILD2013 is well underway and Australian companies need to know whether they should invest in IT skills training or pay a premium for the people they need.
If you want to know which choices are being made in your sector, what skills are hard to find, which sectors intend to hire or fire and where the IT spend is going, this free report is must have.
Stephen Withers
Stephen Withers is one of Australia¹s most experienced IT journalists, having begun his career in the days of 8-bit 'microcomputers'. He covers the gamut from gadgets to enterprise systems. In previous lives he has been an academic, a systems programmer, an IT support manager, and an online services manager. Stephen holds an honours degree in Management Sciences, a PhD in Industrial and Business Studies, and is a senior member of the Australian Computer Society.
