Oracle Java Critical Security Updates Released

Oracle released the scheduled critical security updates for its Java SE Runtime Environment software.  This Critical Patch Update contains 5 new security fixes 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 8u201 or 8u202

• Release Notes:
  8u201:  https://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/8u211-relnotes-5290139.html
  8u202:  https://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/8u212-relnotes-5292913.html 
• Download:  https://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/jre8-downloads-2133155.html 

Java SE 11.0.2  (x64-bit only) 

Note:  JDK only.

• Release Notes:  https://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/11-0-2-relnotes-5188746.html
• Download:  https://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/jdk11-downloads-5066655.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:

• 16 April 2019
• 16 July 2019
• 15 October 2019
• 14 January 2020

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...

Mozilla Firefox Version 66.0.3 Released

Mozilla sent Firefox Version 66.0.3 to the release channel today.  The update addresses several bug fixes.  Firefox ESR remains unchanged.

Fixed

• Address bar on tablets running Windows 10 now behaves correctly (Bug 1498973)
  
• Performance issues with some HTML5 games (Bug 1537609)
  
• Fixed a bug with keypress events in IBM cloud applications (Bug 1538970)
  
• Fix for keypress events in some Microsoft cloud applications (Bug 1539618)
  

Changed

• Updated Baidu search plugin
  

Update:  To get the update now, select "Help" from the Firefox menu, then pick "About Firefox."  Mac users need to select "About Firefox" from the Firefox menu. If you do not use the English language version, Fully Localized Versions are available for download.

References

• Common questions after updating Firefox
• Security Updates
• Release Notes
• Rapid Release Calendar

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

Microsoft April 2019 Security Updates

The April security updates have been released and consist of 74 CVE's and one security advisory (for Adobe Flash Player) in which 13 are rated Critical and 61 are rated Important. None are listed as publicly known but two are listed as being under active attack at the time of release.

In addition to a Servicing Stack Update (See the "Additional Update Notes" below for more information.), the updates apply to the following:  Adobe Flash Player, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Windows,  Microsoft Office and Microsoft Office SharePoint, ChakraCore, ASP.NET, Microsoft Exchange Server, Team Foundation Server, Azure DevOps Server, Open Enclave SDK, and Windows Admin Center.

Important:  Windows 10, version 1709, reached end of service today, April 9, 2019, for devices running Windows 10 Home, Pro, Pro for Workstation, and IoT Core editions. These devices will no longer receive monthly security and quality updates that contain protection from the latest security threats. To continue receiving security and quality updates, updating to the latest version of Windows 10 is strongly recommended.  Note, however, that Windows 10 Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise editions will continue to receive servicing for 12 months at no cost per the lifecycle announcement on October 2018.


Known Issues In the April Security Update:

KB Article	Applies To
4487563	Microsoft Exchange Server 2019, 2016, and 2013
4491413	Update Rollup 27 for Exchange Server 2010 Service Pack 3
4493441	Windows 10 version 1709, Windows Server Version 1709
4493446	Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2 (Monthly Rollup)
4493448	Windows 7 Service Pack 1, Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 (Security-only update)
4493450	Windows Server 2012 (Security-only Rollup)
4493451	Windows Server 2012 (Monthly Rollup)
4493458	Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 (Security-only update)
4493464	Windows 10 version 1803, Windows Server Version 1803
4493467	Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2 (Security-only update)
4493470	Windows 10 version 1607, Windows Server 2016
4493471	Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 (Monthly Rollup)
4493472	Windows 7 Service Pack 1, Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 (Monthly Rollup)
4493474	Windows 10 version 1703
4493509	Windows 10 version 1809, Windows Server 2019
4493730	Windows Server 2008 SP2
4493435	Internet Explorer Cumulative Update

Recommended Reading:  

See Dustin Childs review and analysis in Zero Day Initiative — The April 2019 Security Update Review.

For more information about the updates released today, see https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-us/security-guidance/summary.  Updates can be sorted by OS from the search box. Information about the update for Windows 10 is available at Windows 10 Update history.

Additional Update Notes:

• Adobe Flash Player -- For Windows Server 2012, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows RT 8.1 and Windows 10, Adobe Flash Player is now a security bulletin rather than a security advisory and is included with the updates as identified above.
• MSRT -- Microsoft released an updated version of the Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool on Windows Update, Microsoft Update, Windows Server Update Services, and the Download Center.  Note:  Users who are paranoid about the remote possibility of a FP can opt to run this tool from a Command Prompt, appending a   /N   parameter [for "detect only" mode].
• Servicing Stack Updates -- A list of the latest servicing stack updates for each operating system can be found in ADV990001. This list will be updated whenever a new servicing stack update is released. It is important to install the latest servicing stack update. 
• Windows 10 updates are cumulative. The monthly security release includes all security fixes for vulnerabilities that affect Windows 10, in addition to non-security updates. The updates are available via the Microsoft Update Catalog.
• Updates for Windows RT 8.1 and Microsoft Office RT software are only available via Windows Update.
• For information on lifecycle and support dates for Windows 10 operating systems, please see Windows Lifecycle Facts Sheet.

References

• Release Notes
• Security Update FAQ
• Security Updates Guide

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