Apple has released a security update to its Mac OS X operating system, fixing a number of critical security issues in the software.
The update, released early Tuesday afternoon, Pacific time, fixes 13 bugs in various OS X components, including core components such as Apple Type Services and CFNetwork. It's Apple's fifth OS X security update this year.
Many open-source OS X components are also patched, including Samba, PHP and ClamAV software.
At least six of the bugs theoretically could be exploited by attackers to run unauthorized software on the Mac, Apple said.
Microsoft's Windows operating system remains the favorite target of online attackers, but security experts say it's always a good idea to install these security updates as quickly as possible, no matter what the product.
Robert McMillan covers computer security and general technology breaking news for The IDG News Service. Follow Robert on Twitter at @bobmcmillan. Robert's e-mail address is robert_mcmillan@idg.com