Bugs & Fixes: Flash, iOS, and Xcode

Another week, another roundup of the latest troubleshooting news.

Adobe Flash Player security vulnerability

No, this is not deja vu. Yes, we reported on an Adobe Flash Player security vulnerability a few weeks ago. But this is a new one. Adobe informs us that “a critical vulnerability exists in Flash Player 10.2.153.1 and earlier versions for Windows, Macintosh (etc.). This vulnerability could cause a crash and potentially allow an attacker to take control of the affected system. There are reports that this vulnerability is being exploited in the wild…”

Fortunately, Adobe expects to release a fix Friday—perhaps by the time you read this. (Update: The fix is now out.)

Verizon iPad 2 problems with 3G connectivity

A lengthy thread in Apple Discussions has many users complaining that their Verizon iPad WiFi + 3G is unable to connect to the 3G network, typically showing “Searching…” in the status bar. Apple appeared to acknowledge that the problem was with the iOS (not Verizon’s network). Indeed, the latest word is that the iOS 4.3.2 update, released Thursday, restores the lost connectivity.

iPhone Home button not working in iOS 4.3.1

Another iOS-related Apple Discussions thread reveals that, at least for some users, the iPhone 4’s Home button stops working (or works only inconsistently) after upgrading to iOS 4.3.1. The cause remains unknown. So far, there is no indication that the update to iOS 4.3.2 resolves this matter.

Xcode install deleting files?

As I first saw reported on MacFixIt, an Apple Discussions thread describes an obviously serious bug: While installing the Xcode software purchased from the Mac App Store, a user noticed that his “applications were deleting one by one.” He managed to stop the wipe-out by shutting down his Mac, but not soon enough. When he tried to restart, the Mac would no longer boot. After fully restoring his drive, he (perhaps foolishly) tried the install again—and wound up with the same ill results.

Several other users (posting to the cited thread as well as another one) confirmed the same symptom. The bug seems to be restricted to the Mac App Store installation, as opposed to the free download available to ADC members.

Apple released Xcode 4.0.2 (4A2002a) this week. The release notes state that there were “bug fixes” but do not specifically mention this matter. The status of the bug remains uncertain.