SuSE Linux has patched a number of flaws in Sun Microsystems' Java software that could allow a hacker to take control of a user's system.

The vulnerabilities could allow a remote user to bypass system security, gain system access, expose sensitive information and manipulate data.

Security monitoring website Secunia rated the vulnerability as 'highly critical' in an advisory.

The flaws relate to earlier problems found in Sun's Java software, which were patched two weeks ago.

The vulnerabilities affect a number of operating systems including openSuSE 10.2 and 10.3, SuSE Linux 10 and 10.1, SuSE Linux Desktop 1.x and SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 and 10.

There is no workaround and the problems can only be fixed by applying the updates.