OS X’s UNIX background gives it great power. With this power, Mac users must be more aware of their computers, and know how to maintain them. Thursday night, Apple released a security update that addresses a possible issue with OS X’s UNIX core.

The following is an excerpt from the technical information released along with the patch:
"... a potential vulnerability in the fb_realpath() function, used by the FTPServer and Libc projects, which could allow a local or remote user to gain unauthorized root privileges to a system."

In short, this patch closes a hole that could allow a remote user command line access to a Mac via a hole in the built-in FTP services.

The fact that OS X is based on a UNIX kernel brings both positive and negative aspects to the OS. On one hand, it is a powerful computing platform based on time tested industrial strength technology. On the other hand, some of that legacy technology contains a few long standing mistakes. Also as a result, OS X will suffer the same growing pains as the rest of the UNIX world. Software will grow and expand to meet our needs, and with it, new security holes will be discovered and eliminated. The Mac OS of today is not the same as it was 3 years ago. It is far more robust and expandable. These growing pains are unfortunate, but they are also inevitable.

For those who keep an eye on Microsoft’s Windows platform, you have likely seen some embarrassing vulnerabilities discovered as recently as the last seven days. These vulnerabilities are exploited and used by modern viruses to do damage. Apple pays timely attention to these security concerns and employs a staff of programmers who believe more in the quality of their code than in quantity. For these reasons, and many others, the Macintosh remains infinitely more secure than its Windows counterpart.

Next week, we will take a look at some common ways to keep a Mac safe from prying eyes. For now, please be sure to check your Software Update preference panel and always be sure to install security related patches.