Microsoft Security Advisory for Remote Code Execution Vulnerability in IE

Microsoft released Security Advisory ADV200001 for a remote code execution vulnerability with limited active attacks in Internet Explorer.  The issue is described as the way that the scripting engine handles objects in memory in Internet Explorer. As described in the advisory:

"The vulnerability could corrupt memory in such a way that an attacker could execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could gain the same user rights as the current user. If the current user is logged on with administrative user rights, an attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could take control of an affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights."

In the event you use Internet Explorer, it is strongly advised that you follow the instructions at the bottom of the Advisory to restrict access to JScript.dll as a workaround.

References

• Security Advisory ADV200001

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

Chromium-Based Microsof Edge Released

As announced previously, the long-awaited new Microsoft Edge Chromium-based browser has been released.  For consumers, it will be installed in a future update to Windows 10, following a measured roll-out via Windows Update over the next several months. The Windows Update schedule for Windows 10 versions is available at Windows updates for Microsoft Edge | Microsoft Docs.

Having daily used the development version of Microsoft Edge since it was initially made available, the Chromium-based version has proved to be a definite improvement.  Learn about the new features by following the "Learn More" links at Microsoft Edge Browser Features.   

If you don't want to wait for Windows Update, you can download the new Edge browser today.  It is available for Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, macOS, iOS and Android from the download page at Download New Microsoft Edge Browser | Microsoft. Click the arrow to select the version for your device.


References:

• Upgrading to the new Microsoft Edge - Microsoft Edge Blog
• Microsoft Edge Browser Features
• Download New Microsoft Edge Browser | Microsoft
• Windows updates for Microsoft Edge | Microsoft Docs

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

Oracle Java SE JRE Security Updates

Oracle released the scheduled critical security updates for its Java SE Runtime Environment software.  This Critical Patch Update contains 12 new security patches for Oracle Java SE.  All of these vulnerabilities may be remotely exploitable without authentication, i.e., may be exploited over a network without requiring user credentials.

Update

If Java is still installed on your computer, it is recommended that this update be applied as soon as possible due to the threat posed by a successful attack.

Download Information

Java SE Runtime Environment Version 8u241:  https://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/jre8-downloads-2133155.html

Notes:

• UNcheck any pre-checked toolbar and/or software options presented with the update. They are not part of the software update and are completely optional.  Preferably, see the instructions below on how to handle "Unwanted Extras".  
• Oracle does not plan to migrate desktops from Java 8 to Java 9 through the auto update feature.  Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you uninstall JRE 8 prior to updating.
• Verify your version:  http://www.java.com/en/download/testjava.jsp.   Note:  The Java version verification page will only work if your browser has NPAPI support.  In that case, to check the version, open a cmd window and enter the following (note the space following Java):  java -version

Critical Patch Updates

For Oracle Java SE Critical Patch Updates, the next scheduled dates are as follows:

• 14 April 2020
• 14 July 2020
• 20 October 2020 
• 19 January 2021

Unwanted "Extras"

Although most people do not need Java on their computer, there are some programs and games that require Java.  In the event you need to continue using Java, How-to Geek discovered a little-known and  unpublicized option in the Java Control Panel to suppress the offers for the pre-checked unwanted extras that Oracle has long included with the updates.  Although the Ask Toolbar has been removed, tha does not preclude the pre-checked option for some other unnecessary add-on.

Do the following to suppress the sponsor offers:

1. Launch the Windows Start menu
2. Click on Programs
3. Find the Java program listing
4. Click Configure Java to launch the Java Control Panel
5. Click the Advanced tab and go to the "Miscellaneous" section at the bottom.
6. Check the box by the “Suppress sponsor offers when installing or updating Java” option and click OK.

Java Security Recommendations

1)  In the Java Control Panel, at minimum, set the security to high.
2)  Keep Java disabled until needed.  Uncheck the box "Enable Java content in the browser" in the Java Control Panel.

3)  Instructions on removing older (and less secure) versions of Java can be found at http://java.com/en/download/faq/remove_olderversions.xml

References

• Java, The Never-Ending Saga  
• Critical Patch Updates and Security Alerts
• Oracle Java SE Risk Matrix 
• Oracle Quality Assurance Blog 

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...