Twenty patches for Apple`s Panther

Apple has released 20 patches for its Panther operating system, including several that could be exploited remotely, TechWeb reports.

The security update, released on Tuesday, patches Mac OS X 10.3.9 and Mac OS X Server 10.3.9, covering operating system components ranging from Bluetooth short-range wireless to how the Mac handles TIFF image files.

Danish security firm Secunia rated the vulnerability package as "highly critical", adding that the grab bag included spoofing, remote and local system access, and unauthorised data access flaws.

Until Apple`s Tiger went on sale last Friday, Panther was the most up-to-date Mac operating system, but had been the subject of four previous security updates so far this year.

Gartner analysts say increased personal digital assistant (PDA) shipments and prices are due to the popularity of high-end wireless models that have integrated wireless local area network or cellular capabilities.

Global shipments of PDAs in the first quarter rose 25% year over year, while the average selling price in the first quarter rose 15% from the same quarter of 2004, says the market research firm.

"This increase is primarily the result of the growing popularity of wireless e-mail, with users favouring larger displays and QWERTY keyboards that are operated with both hands."

According to XinhuaNet, Research in Motion`s BlackBerry shipments grew 75.6% in the first quarter, making it the top vendor in terms of worldwide PDA shipments.

Hackers have turned their attention to flaws in anti-virus software and media players like Apple Computer`s iTunes.

According to the Sans Institute, these new vulnerabilities are being exploited because more Windows users are receiving security upgrades automatically, forcing hackers to take advantage of other software programs that might not be patched as frequently.

The security organisation found 600 new vulnerabilities and Web-based threats in the first three months of 2005, and while fixes for the flaws have been made available in most cases, many systems remain unpatched, VNUNET reports.

The institute has updated its Top 20 Internet Security Vulnerabilities list - all of which are rated 'critical` - and features several newcomers that are non-Microsoft products, including media players from Apple and Real Networks, AOL`s WinAmp and anti-virus products from F-Secure, McAfee, Symantec and Trend Micro.

There were still plenty of Microsoft products on the list, including several versions of Windows, MSN Messenger and Internet Explorer.