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Firefox update plugs 'critical' holes ~ More detail on security update...
CNET ^ | July 27, 2006, 11:30 AM PDT | By Joris EversStaff Writer, CNET News.com

Posted on 07/27/2006 10:37:32 PM PDT by Ernest_at_the_Beach

CNET News.com*********************************************

Mozilla on Wednesday released an update to its popular Firefox Web browser that fixes a dozen vulnerabilities, seven of which it deems "critical."

The most serious of the flaws could be exploited by cyberattackers to commandeer a vulnerable PC, according to Mozilla. The company, which oversees Firefox development, has published security advisories for each of the flaws repaired by the Firefox update.

The flaws are fixed in Firefox 1.5.0.5, which Mozilla has started pushing out to Firefox users via the update feature in the open-source Web browser. In addition to the security fixes, the browser update includes stability improvements, as well as changes for the Frisian version for some users in the Netherlands, Mozilla said.

"Firefox 1.5.0.5 is a security update that is part of our ongoing program to provide a safe Internet experience for our customers," Mozilla said on its Web site. "We recommend that all users upgrade to this latest version."

Security monitoring company Secunia rates the update as "highly critical," one notch below its most serious ranking.

Mozilla also released updates for its SeaMonkey suite of applications to address security issues that apply to those programs.

While some of the security flaws may affect the earlier 1.0 versions of Firefox, Mozilla is not providing updates for those releases. Its version 1.0.8 was the last refresh for the 1.0.x line of Firefox. All users are advised to upgrade to the 1.5.0.5 version. The 1.0.8 version came out in April.

Developers are working on Firefox 2, the next major version of the Web browser. Mozilla earlier this month shipped the first beta of the new browser, which includes such features as a phishing shield to protect against information thieving online.

Microsoft, meanwhile, is putting the final touches on Internet Explorer 7, a reinforced version of its Web browser. Designed, in part, in response to competition from Firefox, IE 7 is due out in the fourth quarter of this year.


TOPICS: Computers/Internet
KEYWORDS: computersecurity; firefox
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To: Ernest_at_the_Beach
Email has become the main entry point for viruses and worms... Thanks, Ernest. :)
21 posted on 07/28/2006 7:47:57 AM PDT by skinkinthegrass (Just because you're paranoid, doesn't mean they aren't out to get you....... :^)
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To: Ernest_at_the_Beach
Yup, my Firefox at home and at work updated automatically yesterday. All I had to do was restart the browser. :) I love Firefox.
22 posted on 07/28/2006 8:13:59 AM PDT by Kaylee Frye
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To: FreeRadical; Irishguy
Just came across this:

Opera reveals version 10 vision

23 posted on 07/28/2006 9:41:58 AM PDT by Ernest_at_the_Beach (History is soon Forgotten,)
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To: Ernest_at_the_Beach
Thanks. Interesting article. These numbers were a bit higher than I expected:

Opera 9 has already seen a significant uptake of users, with 700,000 downloads on the first day of release. Overall, Opera 9, including the mobile Mini version, has seen roughly 25 million downloads since its release in June, the company said.

Sure, those numbers are miniscule in a lot of ways. And then, OTOH, 25 million of pretty much anything can't be peanuts.

24 posted on 07/29/2006 11:54:49 AM PDT by FreeRadical (Nuke Mecca. It's not graffiti, It's a way of Life!)
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