Pale Moon Version 28.5.0 Released

Pale Moon has been updated to version 28.5.0.  This is a major development and bugfix update

From the Release Notes:

Changes/fixes:

• Redesigned the about box.
• Added "Check for updates" menu entries to the AppMenu and classic menu (since the About box redesign no longer has application update in it).
• Restored the app.update.url.override pref for AUS testing/override.
• Added "Loop" control to html5 video.
• Fixed a crash with frames (e.g. when using Tile Tabs).
• Fixed an issue with textarea placeholders (spec compliance).
• Removed the Windows Maintenance Service one last time.
• Improved http basic auth DoS heuristics.
• Fixed an issue on big-endian machines (e.g. PPC64/linux).
• Removed e10s code from widgets.
• Preffed the various http "Accept" headers and aligned with the Fetch spec (except for image requests).
• Aligned URLSearchParams with the spec.
• Updated several site-specific UA overrides.
• Fixed "Yet Another special case of a flex frame being the absolute containing block"™
• Fixed border drawing when the tab bar is hidden.
• Pref-controlled and disabled the use of unboxed plain objects in JavaScript's JIT compiler.
• Improved handling of interrupted connections through proxies and pseudo-VPN extensions.
• Removed contextual identity.
• Updated the 7zip installer stub to a much more recent code version.
• Fixed an issue with applying percentages to 0 in layout sizes.
• Fixed an issue with calculating linear sums in JS JITed code.
• Added default value feature to get*Pref() preference functions.
• Fixed an issue that would occasionally overwrite the new tab custom URL.
• Updated the SQLite library to 3.27.2
• Killed the crashreporter toolkit files and exception handler hooks.
• Fixed an issue with a missing border on the tab bar when on the bottom.
• Fixed a crash with badly-formatted SVG files.
• Showed the robots to the exit after squatting in the browser for decades.
• JavaScript: Implemented TC39 toString() revision proposal.
• Rearchitectured the JavaScript front-end parser to provide better and more logical parsing of JS code.
• Removed support code and leftovers for unsupported SunOS, AIX, BEOS, HPUX and OS/2 operating systems.
• Fixed a scrollbar arrow issue on OS X.
• Removed all Firefox Accounts code.
• Made the CSS parser more robust and aligned url() behavior with the CSS3 spec in case of bad input.
• Fixed an issue with blocklist updates not actually dynamically applying due to a wrong URL.
• Updated the embedded emoji font to the TweMoji v11.4.0 equivalent.
• Fixed an issue with async/deferred scripts preventing page loads from completing.

 Download:

• Pale Moon for Windows
• Pale Moon for Linux

Update

To get the update now, select "Help" from the Pale Moon menu at the upper left of the browser window.  Click About Pale Moon and  Check for Updates.

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

Windows 10 Version 1803 and Windows 7 Cumulative Update Released

Microsoft has released a cumulative update with non-security improvements and fixes for Windows 10 version 1803, the April 2018 update.  This update includes a long list of improvements and fixes with no new operating system features introduced.

See KB4493437 for the list of improvements and fixes as well as the various know issues and accompanying workarounds.

If you installed earlier updates, only the new fixes contained in this package will be downloaded and installed on your device.  The update is available from Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog. In addition, the latest servicing stack update (SSU), KB4485449, will be offered automatically.



Microsoft also released KB4493453 for Windows 7 which includes improvements and fixes that were a part of KB4493472 (released April 9, 2019) as well as new quality improvements as a preview of the next Monthly Rollup update. 

Also note the following information in the update:

"Starting with KB 4493472 Monthly Rollup updates will no longer include PciClearStaleCache.exe. This installation utility addressees inconsistencies in the internal PCI cache. This can cause the symptoms listed below when installing monthly updates that do NOT include PciClearStaleCache:

• Existing NIC definitions in control panel networks may be replaced with a new Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC) but with default settings. Any custom settings on the previously NIC persist in the registry but were unused.
• Static IP address settings were lost on network interfaces.
• Wi-Fi profile settings were not displayed in the network flyout.
• WIFI network adapters were disabled

These symptoms are especially common on guest virtual machines and on machines which have not been updated since March, 2018."

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

Happy Easter! "Khrystos Voskres!"

"Khrystos Voskres!"

(Christ is Risen!)

"Voistyno Voskres!"

(He is Truly Risen!)

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

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...

Adobe Flash Player and AIR Critical Security Update Released

Adobe has released Version 32.0.0.171 of Adobe Flash Player and AIR for Windows, macOS, Linux and Chrome OS. These updates address important bug and security fixes.  

Release date:  APRIL 9, 2019
Vulnerability identifier: APSB19-19
Platform:  Windows, Macintosh, Linux and Chrome OS

Update:

• With the option to 'Allow Adobe to install updates', the update will be automatic. Without that setting enabled, either install the update via the update mechanism when prompted or via the Download Center*.
• Windows 7 and earlier:  Installation links for Windows 7 and earlier are provided by Adobe at Installation problems | Flash Player | Windows 7 and earlier: 
• Flash Player for Internet Explorer - ActiveX 
• Flash Player for Firefox/Pale Moon - NPAPI
• Flash Player for Opera and Chromium-based browsers - PPAPI
• Uninstaller (if needed) : http://download.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/support/uninstall_flash_player.exe 
• Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer 11:  Adobe Flash Player will be automatically updated to the latest version for Windows 8.1 and 10.
• Google Chrome:  Adobe Flash Player will be automatically updated to the latest Google Chrome version.
• Flash Player Uninstaller:  http://download.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/support/uninstall_flash_player.exe
• Adobe AIR:  Adobe - Adobe AIR

*Important Note:  Downloading the update from the Adobe Flash Player Download Center 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 that you do not want.  They are not needed for the Flash Player update.

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
• AIR Download Center 
• Installing and Updating Flash Player - FAQ
• Release Notes
• Security Bulletin
• PSIRT

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

Adobe Acrobat DC and Reader DC Critical Security Update Released

Adobe has released critical security updates for Adobe Acrobat and Reader for Windows and macOS. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user.  

Release date:  April 9, 2019
Vulnerability identifier: APSB19-17
Platform: Windows and MacOS

Update or Complete Download

Reader DC and Acrobat DC were updated to version 2019.010.20099. Update checks can be manually activated by choosing Help/Check for Updates. 

• Reader DC and other versions are available here:  https://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/product.jsp?product=10&platform=Windows
  
• Acrobat DC for Windows is available here:  http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/product.jsp?product=1&platform=Windows

Note: UNcheck any pre-checked additional options presented with the update. They are not part of the software update and are completely optional.

References

• PSIRT
• Security Bulletin
• System Requirements

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

Windows 10 Update Changes and Improvements

Microsoft announced major changes in the Windows 10 Update process today.  The changes are included in Windows 10 Version 1903, currently being tested by Windows Insiders and planned for release in late May.

Windows 10 Home users who have complained about lack of control for Windows Updates are going to be particularly happy with the changes.

Following is a brief synopsis of the changes. 

• Feature Updates --"Download and install now" is being added to Windows Update options.  As long as your device has no known blocking issues, selecting that option will allow users to get the latest version without having to wait for it to be offered.  This change is expected to available in Windows 10 versions 1803 and 1809 by late May.
• Pause Updates -- Windows 10 Home Users will be able to pause updates up to 35 days.  This can be done in 7-day increments up to five times.  This applies to both feature and monthly updates.
• Intelligent Active Hours -- A new option will be available to let Windows Update intelligently adjust active hours based on device-specific usage patterns.
• Update Coordination -- Referred to as "improved update orchestration", the concept is to improve system performance by coordinating both Windows Updates and Microsoft Store updates when users are away from their devices.

Information about "Expanded focus on quality" including early detection of low-volume, high-severity issues, a "New public dashboard for increased issue transparency" on the Windows 10 Update History page, and more is available in the complete announcement on the Windows Experience Blog at Improving the Windows 10 update experience with control, quality and transparency.

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

Windows 10 Version 1809 Cumulative Update Released

Microsoft has released a cumulative update with non-security improvements and fixes for Windows 10 version 1809.  This update includes a long list of improvements and fixes with no new operating system features introduced.

See KB4490481 for the list of improvements and fixes as well as the various know issues and accompanying workarounds.

If you installed earlier updates, only the new fixes contained in this package will be downloaded and installed on your device.  The update is available from Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog. 

Note:

Microsoft strongly recommends you install the latest servicing stack update (SSU) for your operating system before installing the latest cumulative update (LCU). SSUs improve the reliability of the update process to mitigate potential issues while installing the LCU.  If you are using Windows Update, the latest SSU (KB4470788) will be offered to you automatically. To get the stand-alone package for the latest SSU, go to the Microsoft Update Catalog.

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