Oracle Is Fixing 40 Holes In Java on June 18th

An Important Update!

Oracle’s official patch frequency for Java typically occurs once every four months. They usually take place around the middle of February, June and October. These regular updates are always released so you should mark them on your calendar. However, these patches aren’t the only fixes that you’ll need each year. Oracle frequently issues necessary security patches in between their regular updates.

The next update will occur on Tuesday, June 18^th 2013. The details regarding fixes for this update haven’t been released to the public. But, Oracle has published a brief pre-announcement to remind everyone of the importance of this month’s update. The good news is that many security vulnerabilities will be repaired—A total of 40, all of which (aside from three) are RCE (Remote Code Execution) holes.

What is an RCE?

An RCE occurs when content is sent over the network to trick Java into performing operations that should be limited to trusted, previously installed code. Typically, an RCE occurs while browsing the Internet, and without you downloading, authorizing, or noticing the installment of malware that could infect your computer.  

Reducing the Risk of RCEs

There are two things you can do to reduce the risk of an RCE occurrence:

1. In your browser options, turn off Java so that web-based Java applets can’t run.
2. As soon as possible, apply Oracle’s patches. Turn on fully automatic updating, if you’d prefer to have the patches update automatically.

Oracle would like to switch Java onto a quarterly update cycle in the future, so it will be aligned with other Oracle products.  Be sure to watch for the update on Tuesday, June 18^th 2013. Due to the importance of this update, you may prefer to auto-update before then!