java issue and Pearson Gradebook

It would appear to be something to do with Java and presently no fix

see

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4442069?answerId=20078991022#20078991022

I have been running this command to fix.

sudo /usr/libexec/PlistBuddy -c "Delete :JavaWebComponentVersionMinimum" /System/Library/CoreServices/CoreTypes.bundle/Contents/Resources/XProtect.meta. plist

Seems it deactivates itself after a period of inactivity. I am following up with command to make the file read only below.

sudo chmod 555 /System/Library/CoreServices/CoreTypes.bundle/Contents/Resources/XProtect.meta. plist

sudo /usr/libexec/PlistBuddy -c "Delete :JavaWebComponentVersionMinimum" /System/Library/CoreServices/CoreTypes.bundle/Contents/Resources/XProtect.meta. plist

Note that what you are suggesting would completely deactivate one important security feature of Mac OS X. If you choose to do that, you need to do so with full awareness of the consequences. If any internet plug-in becomes vulnerable and starts to be exploited by Mac malware, you will remain vulnerable.

Also, note that if Pearson Gradebook is still not compatible with the latest versions of Java, that's a very serious problem and shows a high degree of irresponsibility on the part of the company. Compromising your own security in order to continue to use it is not a good idea. You should find something else to replace it as soon as possible. I have used GradeKeeper before, and liked it pretty well.

http://www.gradekeeper.com/

Is it the removal of JavaWebComponentVersionMinimum that you think is a security risk or setting it to read only so it can't be changed back?

Both, although the former is only a temporary security risk (as it will eventually get updated again).

The real risk, though, is continuing to use an outdated version of Java in your web browser. This is extremely dangerous at this time, as there are a number of known Mac threats that install through Java vulnerabilities. If you keep Java updated - or, better yet, disabled entirely in the web browser - you are immune to the majority of current Mac malware.

Dont want to have to do this but gradebook needs to run for our teachers and until either Apple or Powerschool/gradebook has a permanent fix I dont see another option.

Oracle is responsible for Java, not Apple. Further, Oracle has already released updates that fix all currently known vulnerabilities (though, knowing Java, it's only a matter of time before someone finds more). The issue, as I understand it, is that Pearson's Java apps don't work with the current versions of Java, and they are solely responsible for that. Have you actually contacted Pearson about this, to see if they have a solution? This topic is several months old, and it's possible something has changed in that time.

If they still don't support current versions of Java, then that's a very serious security issue. If you are a school administrator or IT person, then that's something you need to address actively, rather than just waiting passively for a fix. If Pearson has not fixed it yet, they are not taking security seriously, and you should not be using their software. You should move away from using Pearson's web apps and transition to some other system. If it's a school-wide grading system that you're looking for, ProgressBook is quite good and does not require Java.

Just found out that applying the latest java update 12 fixes this. Now I have a different issue. I have labs that run online sites that require the use of the java applet. Seems that when the plugin is inactive they need an admin login to activate. Any insight on this?

I just recently started having trouble using my Pearson's powerteacher gradebook on my mac. I believe it was when I downloaded the updated version of java called java 7. I keep getting this message when I try to sign into my gradebook "blocked because the jar file manifest does not contain the permissions attribute. Please contact the publisher for more information. I also get "error: could not call start up start up." If you know how to fix this, please esplain step by step. Thanks so much.

On 5 of my MacBooks I went to Library>Internet Plug-Ins and deleted JavaAppletPlugin.plugin and then reloaded the previous version of Java. It's worked tor restore Gradebook access to 4 but not to 1. That one opens the Java website instead of opening Gradebook.