Adobe Acrobat DC and Acrobat Reader DC Bugfix Update Released

Adobe has released Acrobat DC and Acrobat Reader DC version 19.021.20056, an optional hotfix patch that addresses bug fixes. Information regarding known issues not covered at the time of release is available here.  The bug fixes include the following:

Performance

• 4286964: Acrobat fails to close and consumes CPU if Personalize registry is not present on the system
• 4287107: Acrobat becomes unresponsive while it populates recent list if it contains items opened through a mapped network drive

Export PDF

• 4283536: Unable to Export Pdf and Save to Document Cloud

Services Integration

• 4287368: Application crashes if tDIText entry is missing in registry for Recent Files

Combine

• 4287003: Unable to Combine Multiple PNG files in certain scenarios

Accessiblity

• 4286741: Mac OS Catalina: There was a raise without a handler error after opening PDF file when OnScreen keyboard is open

Web Capture

• 4287029: Extra HTML content being added to PDF when converting selection in IE’s context menu

Preflight

• 4287186: Japanese characters and symbols like “()” appears incorrectly in Preflight report
• 4287232: Putting Second digital signature breaks PDF/A conformance
• 4287176: Size of Preflight report becomes huge for JPN/KOR/Chinese locale after updating

Update or Complete Download

Reader DC and Acrobat DC were updated to version 19.021.20056.

 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
• Release Notes
• 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...

Adobe Flash Player Update Released

Adobe released Version 32.0.0.293 of Adobe Flash Player for Windows, macOS, Linux and Chrome OS. The update contains assorted functional fixes.

Release date:  November 13, 2019
Vulnerability identifier: None
Platform:  Windows, Macintosh, Linux and Chrome OS

Note:  The embedded ActiveX Flash for Windows 8.1/10 remains at 32.0.0.255

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:  Security updates for Adobe Flash Player are automatically updated to the latest version for Windows 8.1 and 10 via Windows Update.
• 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...

Microsoft November 2019 Security Updates

The Microsoft November security updates have been released and consist of  74 CVEs and one new Advisory. Of these 74 CVEs, 13 are rated Critical and 16 are rated Important. The advisory is listed as publicly known and one CVE is listed under active attack.

The apply to the following:  Microsoft Windows, Internet Explorer (IE), Microsoft Edge (EdgeHTML-based), ChakraCore, Office and Office Services and Web Apps, Open Source Software, Exchange Server, and Visual Studio.

Note:  Adobe has not issued a Flash Player update.

Also of note, the Windows 10 November 2019 update has been released.  See How to get the Windows 10 November 2019 Update | Windows Experience Blog. 

Known Issues:  The following KBs contain information about known issues with the security updates. For a complete list of security update KBs, please see 20191112

KB Article	Applies To
4484113	Microsoft Exchange Server
4523171	Microsoft Exchange Server
4523205	Windows 10, version 1809, Windows Server 2019
4524570	Windows 10, version 1903, Windows Server version 1903
4525232	Windows 10
4525236	Windows 10, version 1607, Windows Server 2016
4525237	Windows 10, version 1803, Windows Server version 1803
4525241	Windows 10, version 1709
4525243	Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2 (Monthly Rollup)
4525246	Windows Server 2012 (Monthly Rollup)
4525250	Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2 (Security-only update)
4525253	Windows Server 2012 (Security-only update)

Recommended Reading:  

See Dustin Childs review and analysis in Zero Day Initiative — The November 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. Learn more about SSU's in Servicing Stack Updates (SSU)
• 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 also available via the Microsoft Update Catalog.
• For information on lifecycle and support dates for Windows 10 operating systems, please see Windows Lifecycle Facts Sheet.
• Windows Update History:
  • Windows 10
  • Windows 8.1
  • Windows 7

References

• 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...

Lest We Forget

The "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month" of 1918.  Whether you call it Veteran's Day, Armistice Day or Remembrance Day, November 11th is a time to put aside politics and pay tribute to all who died for their country.  It is also a perfect time to thank the Veterans in whatever country you live in.

As in previous years, I am republishing a portion of my friend Canuk's last tribute and, once again, adding a special thank you to my friends Mitch the "Phantom Phixer" and Larry, "Ghost".

The comment Canuk posted provides one example of why he was a special person:

"I too "will remember your friends who never had a full life", while thanking you and your comrades who have served with pride, honesty and honour."

LEST WE FORGET

We Shall Keep the Faith by Moira Michael, November 1918 Oh! you who sleep in Flanders Fields, Sleep sweet - to rise anew! We caught the torch you threw And holding high, we keep the Faith With All who died. We cherish, too, the poppy red That grows on fields where valor led; It seems to signal to the skies That blood of heroes never dies, But lends a lustre to the red Of the flower that blooms above the dead In Flanders Fields. And now the Torch and Poppy Red We wear in honor of our dead. Fear not that ye have died for naught; We'll teach the lesson that ye wrought In Flanders Fields. Flags courtesy of3DFlags.com

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

Malwarebytes 4.0 for Windows Released

Malwarebytes Version 4.0 has been released.  The update includes the new Malwarebytes Katana Engine which has new detection technologies to provide greater security.  In addition, the user interface has been designed:



Following are the key features from the Announcement:

• Improved zero-hour detection – pinpoints new threats as they arise and before they can wreak havoc on your device
• Expanded malware detection – blocks even more malware for improved protection
• Signature-less behavioral detection – identifies the latest variants of dangerous malware families that attempt to evade traditional signatures through runtime packing, obfuscation and encryption, offering instant protection against new threats that traditional AV has a hard time detecting
• Faster threat definition process – streamlines the publishing of new definitions, reducing the time it takes to protect you from new threats
• Revamped user interface – Completely redesigned user interface that is intuitive, more informative and simple to use
• Threat statistics – allows you to see what Malwarebytes is doing for you in real-time and get a first-hand view of what threats are coming at you (and being blocked)
• Cybersecurity news – dynamic feed keeps you informed of the latest threats and other security topics
• Easier updates – more automation means you receive the latest protection with less effort

See the referenced Announcement for Known Issues, FAQs and other information.

System Requirements:  Malwarebytes Version 4.0 no longer works on Windows XP or Windows Vista.  However, Malwarebytes 3.x, will be supported for the foreseeable future.

Windows 10 Note:  Although Malwarebytes is an antivirus software, if you use another program as your antivirus (Windows Defender, McAfee, etc.) as your antivirus, it is necessary to make a change in Malwarebytes.  Go to Settings > Windows Action Center, change the setting to "Never register Malwarebytes in the Action Center".  Malwarebytes 4.0 will continue to run with the installed antivirus in compatibility mode.

Update:

Malwarebytes 4.0 can be installed over the top of your exist Malwarebytes programs.  If you do not want to wait for the upgrade to be offered, you can download and run the installer from https://www.malwarebytes.com/ (direct download link here)  Malwarebytes 4.0 will automatically remove the old Anti-Malware, Anti-Exploit and Anti-Ransomware and upgrade them all to Malwarebytes 4.0. 

References:

• Announcing Malwarebytes 4.0 for Windows
• Malwarebytes 4.0 User Guide

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