Apple pushes out Java updates to disable automatic applet execution

Apple on Tuesday released two Java updates for OS X 10.7 Lion and OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard which mimic the functionality of a recent Safari update that disables the automatic execution of Java applets.

Java for OS X Lion 2012-004

In an update to the previous Java for OS X Lion 2012-003 which terminated the Flashback malware, Apple is offering improved security and an operational feature that disables the automatic runtime of in-browser Java applets. The update presumably brings system-wide implementation of the functionality first seen in a May Safari update. Java applets can be re-enabled and if no applets have been run for an extended period of time the web plug-in will deactivate.

From the release notes:

About Java for OS X Lion 2012-004

Java for OS X 2012-004 delivers improved security, reliability, and compatibility by updating Java SE 6 to 1.6.0_33.

This update configures the Java plug-in to deactivate when no applets are run for an extended period of time. If the prior update named "Java for OS X 2012-003" was not installed, this update will disable the Java web plug-in immediately. Java applets may be re-enabled by clicking the region labeled "Inactive plug-in" on a web page.

Please quit any web browsers and Java applications before installing this update.

The 64.07MB update require OS X 10.7 or later and can be downloaded via Software Update or Apple's Support Pages.

Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 9

Apple's second Java release of the day is identical to the Lion update and brings the functionality discussed above to Macs running OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard.

From the release notes:

About Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 9

Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 9 delivers improved security, reliability, and compatibility by updating Java SE 6 to 1.6.0_33.

This update configures web browsers to not automatically run Java applets. Java applets may be re-enabled by clicking the region labeled "Inactive plug-in" on a web page. If no applets have been run for an extended period of time, the Java web plug-in will deactivate.

Please quit any web browsers and Java applications before installing this update.

The 76.34MB update requires OS X 10.6.8 and can be downloaded via Software Update or through Apple's Support Pages.