Adobe Issues Critical Security Update for Flash Player on Mac

MacRumors ^ | Friday February 17, 2017 5:51 AM PST | by Joe Rossignol

[Swordmaker]

Adobe this week released Flash Player version 24.0.0.221 to "address critical vulnerabilities that could potentially allow an attacker to take control of the affected system," including Mac, Windows, Linux, and Chrome OS.

Mac users with Flash Player version 24.0.0.194 or earlier installed should immediately update to the latest version using the built-in update mechanism. The update is also available from the Adobe Flash Player Download Center.

Flash Player users who had enabled the option to "allow Adobe to install updates" will receive the update automatically. Likewise, Google Chrome will automatically update Flash Player to version 24.0.0.221. Select "About Google Chrome" under the Tools menu to verify the browser is up-to-date.

Adobe said the critical security update resolves integer overflow, memory corruption, type confusion, heap buffer overflow, and use-after-free vulnerabilities that could lead to code execution. The vulnerabilities were reported by security teams from Google, Microsoft, Palo Alto Networks, and Trend Micro.

Safari on macOS Sierra deactivates Flash by default, only turning on the plug-in when user requested. Chrome, Firefox, and most other modern web browsers also have web plug-in safeguards in place due to repeated security risks. Adobe has released fifteen Flash Player security updates over the past year.

In 2010, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs shared his "Thoughts on Flash," in which he favored open web standards such as HTML5 over Adobe Flash. Jobs said Flash Player was "the number one reason Macs crash," while criticizing its performance on mobile devices. "Flash was created during the PC era – for PCs and mice," he opined.

[Swordmaker]

As always, the BEST advice is to "Just say NO to FLASH!"

[sagar]

Only genuine morons install Flash. May be they deserve it.

[Swordmaker]

Another Adobe Flash update due to vulnerabilities that were capable of being exploited by malware. Best solution? "JUST SAY NO TO ADOBE FLASH! — PING!

JUST SAY NO TO FLASH!
Ping!

The latest Apple/Mac/iOS Pings can be found by searching Keyword "ApplePingList" on FreeRepublic's Search.

If you want on or off the Mac Ping List, Freepmail me

[acoulterfan]

I just bought a new iMac and iPhone 7 Plus. The Apple Tech who came to my home and installed/set me up under I Cloud and installed a 5TB backup drive told me not to install or mess with Flash.

My question is how do I get HBO to GO etc. when they require flash?

[rdl6989]

Here’s a link to the uninstall tool if anybody needs it.

https://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player/kb/uninstall-flash-player-mac-os.html#OS_X_10_4_and_later

[glorgau]

Yep, bought a mac last July and haven’t installed Flash.

Just say no.

[ctdonath2]

iPhone has an HBO GO app.
I’m sure HBO has a solution for Flash-free Macs.

[Mark17]

I would just say no to it too, but I need it to watch hockey games on NHL Game Center. I always turn it off, when the game is over.

[NCC-1701]

Is there an Apple-friendly equivalant to Flash? I keep getting pop-ups saying to update Flash. Just wondering if there is something that can be used that does the same, better, as Flash. Thanks in advance.

[Spruce]

Installing Flash is analogous to having sex with a Haitian, bisexual, inter-venous drug using prostitute in a biological sharp waste disposal container

[Swordmaker]

Is there an Apple-friendly equivalant to Flash? I keep getting pop-ups saying to update Flash. Just wondering if there is something that can be used that does the same, better, as Flash. Thanks in advance.

There's a website that will play the FLASH and send it clean to you but I am not certain of the URL. Do a search for it. It's no good for playing Flash games, but it will do Flash videos. The long run solution is to complain to the site that hosts Flash content and tell them to convert to HTML5 videos and other means of doing their games. Tell them of the host of hurt that repeated Adobe Flash vulnerabilities cause in opening up devices to malware.

There is a web player called DivX webplayer that will play Flash Content you can get that supposedly will handle Flash video. I haven't tried it.

On iOS devices there are some browsers that will play Flash content by using built in non-Adobe Flash players, but again they will not help with playing Flash built games. Among these are Puffin, Photon, iSwifter, and Skyfire.

[Swordmaker]

Installing Flash is analogous to having sex with a Haitian, bisexual, inter-venous drug using prostitute in a biological sharp waste disposal container

I'd say it's like using a condom with that person. . . from a box of condoms that is forty years old that was stored in an attic with no air conditioning . . . and which was randomly chewed on by squirrels. Some might be good. You take your chances.

[SeaDragon]

Love your descriptions. Pretty much priceless. :-)

How do you get rid of Flash in Firefox? I have looked but can’t seem to find that option.

Thanks

Sea