[MW Forums]

Apple has updated its AirPort Extreme software for Intel Core Duo-based Macs, to address a Denial of Service (DoS) exploit involving wireless networking. more

[jmincey]

Quote:

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Other systems, including the Core 2 Duo versions are not affected. This update addresses the issue by performing additional validation of wireless frames, said Apple.

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Why, then, did an Airport Extreme Security update appear (and later install) when I ran Software Update on my Core 2 Duo MacBook Pro?

[PeterG]

Jeff,
I bought a 24" Intel iMac C2D, 10.4.8, at the end of the year. I just looked and I have the update. So do they just send out a blanket update or do I need it?
Peter

[Peter Cohen]

From the information posted to Apple's Web site, it's clear this is aimed at Core Duo Macs, not Core 2 Duo Macs, but like you, I got the update message too. So I presume that either Software Update isn't intelligent enough to differentiate between Core Duo and Core 2 Duo models or there's some other reason for installing it. Anyway, I installed it, and there's no perceptible difference.

[Philbert]

The update also shows up for my Mac Pro. I'll probably install it at some point but I can guarantee there won't be a difference - I don't have an installed Airport card!

[PeterG]

OK Peter,
I generally do the updates, so I'll do this one as well.
If anything goes nuts, I can say Peter did it. /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Peter /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
it sounds like I have multiple personalities. /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

[tatilsever]

It seems like they have changed the webpage. Half an hour ago, it stated "some Mac mini, MacBook and MacBook Pro", now it says all intel Mac computers. It does not talk about security any more, either.

[xebrawerx]

Add me to that list. I ran it and no perceptible difference.
Apple's download site now says:
This update is recommended for all Intel-based Macintosh computers and provides compatibility with AirPort Extreme base stations and networks.
How does it "provide compatibility?"

[Peter Cohen]

OK, I see where the confusion lies. Let me attempt to explain.
Apple recommends the update "for all Intel-based Macintosh computers," but describes a security problem that affects only Intel Core Duo-based Macs.
The mistaken assumption here is that the update only includes the security update -- clearly, it does not. Apple has, I'm presuming, made other changes in the software, but is only detailing what's changed in the update's security features.

[jmincey]

Thanks, Peter, for that clarification (and distinction).

[wardoggie]

[indent]Quote:

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OK, I see where the confusion lies. Let me attempt to explain.
Apple recommends the update "for all Intel-based Macintosh computers," but describes a security problem that affects only Intel Core Duo-based Macs.

The mistaken assumption here is that the update only includes the security update -- clearly, it does not. Apple has, I'm presuming, made other changes in the software, but is only detailing what's changed in the update's security features.

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[/indent]

It seems to have cleared up my WiFi issues, as I first posted on the Apple Airport Discussion Board. Immediately after installing it on my MBP C2D, I was able to connect to my 2Wire WiFi router. Of course, I was able to connect for a few weeks about a month ago, so it might just be a coincidence.