Apple on Tuesday released the latest update for its Leopard operating system, Mac OS X 10.5.7, bringing with it more than 20 bug fixes as well as a number of security updates.
Among the improvements in the update are additional RAW image support for third-party cameras, improved performance of video playback for recent Macs with Nvidia graphics chips, and resolution for an issue with the Dvorak keyboard layout in 10.5.6.
Also included in 10.5.7 are patches that help resolve issues with third-party network services, such as improved reliability for syncing contacts with Yahoo, and a fix for some problems that could occur when logging into Gmail. The update also improves the reliability and accuracy of several of OS X’s Dashboard widgets, like Unit Converter, Weather, Stocks, and Movies.
Besides the general issues resolved, 10.5.7 includes updates for specific Apple applications, as well. iCal sports improved reliability for both CalDav and syncing with MobileMe, while Mail now has better reliability for syncing Notes and fixes a bug where the BCC field populated incorrectly in certain cases. Apple also improved consistency with Parental Controls and fixed a bug with the system when using full-screen games and Fast User Switching, and also fixed several printing issues, including adding the ability for non-admin users to add and remove printers.
In addition, there are a number of security fixes in the update for the Apache Web server, PHP, CoreGraphics, and more. Among the fixes are patches for three separate vulnerabilities discovered as part of Tipping Point’s Zero Day Initiative, which appear to be the same ones demonstrated at the CanSecWest security conference last March. The fixes address issues in Apple Type Services, QuickDraw Manager, and WebKit, each of which could lead to arbitrary code execution.
Apple also released Mac OS X Server 10.5.7 Update, which rolls out fixes for a number of systems, including Client Management, Directory Services, AFP Server, System Image Utility, and more. The update also includes improved kernel stability and a number of security enhancements which had not been detailed at this writing.
The Mac OS X 10.5.7 update is available from Software Update and is recommended for all users running Mac OS X Leopard. A combo updater, weighing in at a hefty 729MB, is also available for those upgrading from versions of Leopard previous to 10.5.6.
Updated at 2:53 PT with additional information about the update’s security content.