Critical Security Update for Adobe Flash Player

Adobe Flash Player was updated to address critical security vulnerabilities.  These updates address a vulnerability that could cause the application to crash and potentially allow an attacker to take control of the affected system.


There are reports that the vulnerability is being exploited in the wild in limited targeted attacks, distributed through a malicious Word document. The exploit targets the ActiveX version of Flash Player for Internet Explorer on Windows.

Update Information

The newest version for Windows, Macintosh and Linux is 11.3.300.271.

Release date: August 14, 2012
Vulnerability identifier: APSB12-18
Priority: Critical
CVE number: CVE-2012-1535
Platform: Windows, Macintosh and Linux

Flash Player Update Instructions

Flash Player for Windows, Macintosh, Linux and Solaris

Although Adobe suggests downloading the update from the Adobe Flash Player Download Center or by using the auto-update mechanism within the product when prompted, if you prefer, direct download links are available.

• Flash Player For Internet Explorer:  http://download.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/licensing/win/install_flash_player_11_active_x.exe
• Non-IE (Opera, Firefox, Etc.):  http://download.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/licensing/win/install_flash_player_11_plugin.exe
• Flash Player Uninstaller:  http://download.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/support/uninstall_flash_player.exe

Notes:

• Beginning with Adobe Flash Version 11.3, the universal 32-bit installer will include the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the Flash Player.  
• If you use the Adobe Flash Player Download Center, be careful to uncheck the optional McAfee Security Plus box.  It is not needed for the Flash Player update.
• Uncheck any toolbar offered with Adobe products if not wanted.
• If you use alternate browsers, it is necessary to install the update for both Internet Explorer as well as the update for alternate browsers.
• The separate 32-bit and 64-bit uninstallers have been replaced with a single uninstaller.

Adobe Flash Player for Android

Adobe Flash Player for Android is not affected by the vulnerability addressed in this update.

The latest version for Adobe Flash Player for Android is available by downloading it from the Android Marketplace by browsing to it on a mobile phone.

Verify Installation

To verify the Adobe Flash Player version number installed on your computer, go to the About Flash Player page, or right-click on content running in Flash Player and select "About Adobe Flash Player" from the menu. 

Do this for each browser installed on your computer.

To verify the version of Adobe Flash Player for Android, go to Settings > Applications > Manage Applications > Adobe Flash Player x.x.

References

• Adobe Priority Ratings
• Adobe Security Advisory: Security update available for Adobe Flash Player
• Adobe PSIRT Blog: Adobe Security Bulletins Posted
• Release Notes | Flash Player 11.3 AIR 3.3

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