Apple has issued an update to the Java components for the two most recent versions of its Mac OS X operating system.

The update addresses a number of flaws in Java for systems running Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger and Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard, including security flaws which could allow for elevation of privileges and remote code execution.

One flaw could allow an attacker to remotely execute code by way of a malformed Java applet embedded in a web page, while another could allow an untrusted applet to elevate user privileges.

The company is recommending users of both versions of OS X to install the update immediately.

The news comes just days after researchers issued yet another warning to Mac users about a malicious Trojan aimed at OS X.

Security vendors have said that Mac OS X users are not generally accustomed to dealing with malware threats, and could be in increasing danger as more attacks emerge.