Mac OS 8.5: Outlook Express Security Patch

Recently, there have been public announcements in the press and on the World WIde Web about security flaws in some Internet mail clients. Outlook Express was mentioned as one of the programs having the issue. Does the version of Outlook Express installed by Mac OS 8.5 have this issue?

Yes, the version of Outlook Express 4.01 (295) installed with Mac OS 8.5 has the security exposure. The security issue became known very late in the product shipment cycle of Mac OS 8.5. A corrected version was unavailable in time, and the update/patch was not included on the Mac OS 8.5 Install CD-ROM, because it was felt that the latest solution to this issue was best obtained from the Microsoft web site.

If you plan to use Outlook Express as your Internet mail client, you should visit the Microsoft web site, and obtain either the patch or the corrected full application which includes the patch.

When Outlook Express is running, the About Outlook Express menu item under the Apple menu will show the product version. In addition to showing version 4.01, the sub-version (297) or later designates a version which includes the correction for the security flaw. In summary:
Version
Notes
Outlook Express 4.01 (297) Not at risk.
Outlook Express 4.01 (less than 297) At risk. Download the patch now.
Outlook Express 4.0 At risk. Patches are available only for Outlook Express
4.01.

Microsoft recommends that customers download Outlook Express 4.01 and then download the patch for Outlook Express 4.01.

The latest information and download links for Outlook Express for Macintosh can be found at the following location on the Internet:

http://www.microsoft.com/mac/

This article provides information about a non-Apple product. Apple Computer, Inc. is not responsible for its content. Please contact the vendor for additional information.
Published Date: Feb 18, 2012