Skype Update Fixes Critical Mac Security Flaw

· by · Product News

Skype released Skype 5.1 for Mac OS X this week with a fix for a critical flaw that could potentially let an attacker remotely gain control over your computer. Skype is an online voice, video and text chat service that’s available for most major computer and mobile platforms.

Skype

The update also includes a fix for poor video performance on high-packet loss networks, and addresses several bugs.

The security flaw in Skype 5 allowed attackers to send specially crafted messages that planted a file on victim’s Macs. Once the file was in place, attackers could potentially run code remotely without the victim’s permission.

Skype 5.1 is available as a free update via the Skype Web site.

Jeff Gamet

Jeff Gamet

Jeff is the Mac Observer's Managing Editor, and co-host of the Apple Context Machine podcast. He is the author of "The Designer's Guide to Mac OS X" from Peachpit Press, and writes for several design-related publications. Jeff has presented at events such as Macworld Expo, the RSA Conference, and the Mac Computer Expo. In all his spare time, he also co-hosts the We Have Communicators podcast, and makes guest appearances on several other podcasts, too. Jeff dreams in HD.

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2 Comments

geoduck

I wonder if Skype 2.x has the vulnerability. I won’t upgrade to 5.

Mikuro

I wonder if Skype 2.x has the vulnerability. I won?t upgrade to 5.

Same here. The interface is a ridiculous step backwards. Maybe it’s time for me to give up Skype completely. The newest version for Mac sucks, the Android version has been giving me headaches ever since I upgraded to Froyo, and they were just bought by Microsoft.

I need a better chat program.

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