Adobe Flash Player Critical Security Updates ~ Security Garden

Adobe has released security updates for Adobe Flash Player 13.0.0.182 and earlier versions for Windows, version 13.0.0.201 and earlier versions for Macintosh and Adobe Flash Player 11.2.202.350 and earlier versions for Linux.

With today's Windows Update, Internet Explorer 10 and 11 in Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 will be updated. Windows RT must obtain the update from Windows Update. Google Chrome will be automatically updated.

These updates are rated as "Critical". However, the updates do not address the zero-day vulnerability in Internet Explorer versions 6-11, which will require a Microsoft update to IE.

Windows XP

Since Windows XP is out of support, Microsoft will not be releasing an IE update for Windows XP. Anyone still using Windows XP and unable to move to a new computer/operating system, first should use an alternate browser. In addition, unregister the VGX.DLL file as shown in Paul Ducklin's instructions here.

Update Information

The newest versions are as follows:

Windows and Macintosh: 13.0.0.206
Linux: 11.2.202.350

Release date: April 28, 2014
Vulnerability identifier: APSB14-13
CVE number: CVE-2014-0515
Platform: All Platforms

Flash Player Update Instructions

Warning: Although Adobe suggests downloading the update from the Adobe Flash Player Download Center, that link includes a pre-checked option to install unnecessary extras, such as McAfee Scan Plus or Google Drive. If you use the download center, uncheck any unnecessary extras.

It is recommended that you either use the auto-update mechanism within the product when prompted, or my preference, the direct download links.

Non-IE (Opera, Firefox, Etc.): http://download.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/licensing/win/install_flash_player_13_plugin.exe
Windows XP, Vista and 7:
Flash Player For Internet Explorer 7, 8, 9, 10, 11: http://download.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/licensing/win/install_flash_player_13_active_x.exe

Windows 8 and 8.1:
Flash Player for Internet Explorer 10 and 11: Microsoft updated Security Advisory 2755801. If you do not have Automatic Updates enabled, the Flash Player update can be downloaded from Microsoft Security Advisory: Update for Vulnerabilities in Adobe Flash Player in Internet Explorer 10: July 9, 2013.
Flash Player Uninstaller: http://download.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/support/uninstall_flash_player.exe

Notes:

If you use the Adobe Flash Player Download Center, be careful to uncheck any optional downloads that you do not want. Any pre-checked option 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.
As requested by a Security Garden reader, the update information for the "Extended Release of Flash Player 11.7" can be found here. Note, however, that beginning May 13, 2014, Adobe Flash Player 13 for Mac and Windows will replace version 11.7 as the extended support version.

Adobe Flash Player for Android

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

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

Monday, April 28, 2014