QuickTime Security Vulnerability - Uninstall QuickTime for Windows Computers or Devices

Introduction

QuickTime is a multimedia solution designed by Apple. It allows a computer to handle video, audio, and interactive content. In November 2015, researchers at the Zero-Day Initiative (ZDI) discovered two remote code execution vulnerabilities in Windows installations of QuickTime. In both cases, a computer can be compromised by visiting a malicious webpage or running a malicious file that exploits these vulnerabilities. These security issues are quite serious.

The Windows version of QuickTime is deprecated by Apple, i.e. it will no longer receive security updates. For best security, those with Windows computers should uninstall QuickTime.

From Apple:

"Uninstalling QuickTime 7 also removes the legacy QuickTime 7 web plug-in, if present. Websites increasingly use the HTML5 web standard for a better video-playback experience across a wide range of browsers and devices, without additional software or plug-ins needed. Removing legacy browser plug-ins enhances the security of your PC and should not effect playback of multimedia content."

Instructions

Those running Windows QuickTime should refer to Windows instructions for uninstalling software and make sure to uninstall the application QuickTime.

Windows 7 Uninstall Instructions (external link to windows.microsoft.com)

Windows 8 Uninstall a Desktop Program Instructions (external link to windows.microsoft.com)

Windows 10 Uninstall Instructions (external link to windows.microsoft.com)

 

Audience

students
faculty
staff
alumni
five college
applicants
others

Tags