The Department of Homeland Security has just published a press release strongly advising Windows users to uninstall Apple’s Quick Time video player from their computers, after detecting security vulnerabilities within the software.
More specifically, security firm Trend Micro was the first to spot the two security issues found in QuickTime’s code. The research, which was carried under the firm’s Zero Day Initiative, claims that it is not aware of any successful attacks, though both the firm and DOHS urge Windows users to remove the particular piece of software from their PC or laptop, especially since Apple does not intend to patch the issues.
QuickTime being broken does not come as much of a surprise, since Apple discontinued the software’s Windows support for ages now. Both Windows 8 and 10 does not support the video player, though tech savvy users of the platform have managed to find ways to smuggle it in.
Furthermore, the Mac variant of the video player is still being properly maintained and updated, so no issues have been found there nor does DOHS press release refer to Mac users at any point.
Homelands Security’s comment on the potential impact from QuickTime’s vulnerability reads as following:
Computer systems running unsupported software are exposed to elevated cybersecurity dangers, such as increased risks of malicious attacks or electronic data loss. Exploitation of QuickTime for Windows vulnerabilities could allow remote attackers to take control of affected systems.
The proposed solution dictates:
Computers running QuickTime for Windows will continue to work after support ends. However, using unsupported software may increase the risks from viruses and other security threats. Potential negative consequences include loss of confidentiality, integrity, or availability of data, as well as damage to system resources or business assets. The only mitigation available is to uninstall QuickTime for Windows. Users can find instructions for uninstalling QuickTime for Windows on the Apple Uninstall QuickTime(link is external) page.
Reuters asked Apple for a comment, though Cupertino declined to issue an official response to the matter.
Do you use QuickTime on Windows? Let us know in the comments below.
Via: Reuters
I abandoned QT for Windows in favor of VLC player years ago. There has never been a reason other than hype to use QT as it was always buggy and substandard anyway.