Oracle has released a patch for Java 7 to address vulnerability in the software that hackers are exploiting.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) advised users to disable Java to protect their computers from potential attacks from hackers.
According to CBS News, the government agency said that all versions of Java 7 through update 10 are affected, and that web browsers using the Java 7 plug-in are at high risk.
Java is a widely used technical language that allows computer programmers to write a wide variety of Internet applications and other software programs that can run on just about any computer's operating system, the report said.
DHS reported that hackers could use entice potential victims with links to websites that host a malicious Java applet or breach a legitimate website and upload a malicious Java applet, it said.
Oracle addressed the security threat by releasing Java SE 7 update 11.
The company provided instructions on how to update the software patch on its website. Although it appears that the software vulnerability has been fixed, there may still be bugs in the software, the report added.
