Mozilla Firefox Version 79.0 Released With Security Updates

Mozilla sent Firefox Version 79.0 to the release channel today.  The update includes ten security updates of which four (4) are rated high, three (3) moderate and three (3) low.

Also released was Firefox ESR Version 68.11.

High

• #CVE-2020-15652: Potential leak of redirect targets when loading scripts in a worker
• #CVE-2020-6514: WebRTC data channel leaks internal address to peer
• #CVE-2020-15655: Extension APIs could be used to bypass Same-Origin Policy
• #CVE-2020-15659: Memory safety bugs fixed in Firefox 79

Moderate

• #CVE-2020-15653: Bypassing iframe sandbox when allowing popups
• #CVE-2020-6463: Use-after-free in ANGLE gl::Texture::onUnbindAsSamplerTexture
• #CVE-2020-15656: Type confusion for special arguments in IonMonkey

Low

• #CVE-2020-15658: Overriding file type when saving to disk
• #CVE-2020-15657: DLL hijacking due to incorrect loading path
• #CVE-2020-15654: Custom cursor can overlay user interface

New

• We’ve rolled out WebRender to more Windows users with Intel and AMD GPUs, bringing improved graphics performance to an even larger audience.
• Firefox users in Germany will now see more Pocket recommendations in their new tab featuring some of the best stories on the web. If you don’t see them, you can turn on Pocket articles in your new tab by following these steps.

Fixed

• Several crashes while using a screen reader were fixed, including a frequently encountered crash when using the JAWS screen reader.
  
• Firefox Developer Tools received significant fixes allowing screen reader users to benefit from some of the tools that were previously inaccessible.
  
• SVG title and desc elements (labels and descriptions) are now correctly exposed to assistive technology products such as screen readers.
  

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...

Oracle Java SE JRE Security Updates

Oracle released the scheduled critical security updates for its Java SE Runtime Environment software. This Critical Patch Update contains 11 new security patches 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 Runtime Environment Version 8u261:  https://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/jre8-downloads-2133155.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:

• 20 October 2020 
• 19 January 2021 
• 13 April 2021 
• 20 July 2021

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  publicized 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...

Microsoft July 2020 Security Updates

The Microsoft July security updates have been released and consist of 123 CVEs.  Of these 123 CVEs, 18 are rated Critical and 105 are rated Important in severity.  None are listed as being under attack at the time of release.

The Windows 10 Release Notes include the following new information:

1.  IMPORTANT Starting in July 2020, we will resume non-security releases for Windows 10 and Windows Server, version 1809 and later. There is no change to the cumulative monthly security updates (also referred to as the "B" release or Update Tuesday release). For more information, see the blog post Resuming optional Windows 10 and Windows Server non-security monthly updates.  

2.  IMPORTANT Starting in July 2020, all Windows Updates will disable the RemoteFX vGPU feature because of a security vulnerability. For more information about the vulnerability, see CVE-2020-1036 and KB4570006. Once this feature is disabled, attempts to start virtual machines (VMs) will fail, and messages such as the following will appear:

• “The virtual machine cannot be started because all the RemoteFX-capable GPUs are disabled in Hyper-V Manager.”
• “The virtual machine cannot be started because the server has insufficient GPU resources.”

If you re-enable RemoteFX vGPU, a message similar to the following will appear:

• "We no longer support the RemoteFX 3D video adapter. If you are still using this adapter, you may become vulnerable to security risk.Learn more (Update to disable and remove the RemoteFX vGPU component in Windows)”

The updates apply to the following: Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Edge (EdgeHTML-based), Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) in IE Mode, Microsoft ChakraCore, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Office and Microsoft Office Services and Web Apps, Windows Defender, Skype for Business, Visual Studio, Microsoft OneDrive, Open Source Software, .NET Framework and Azure DevOps. 
 

KB Article	Applies To
4558998	Windows 10 Version 1809, Windows Server 2019
4565483	Windows 10, version 1903, Windows Server version 1903, Windows 10, version 1909, Windows Server version 1909
4565511	Windows 10, version 1607, Windows Server 2016
4565524	Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2 (Monthly Rollup)
4565529	Windows Server 2008 (Security-only update)
4565535	Windows Server 2012 (Security-only update)
4565536	Windows Server 2008 (Monthly Rollup)
4565537	Windows Server 2012 (Monthly Rollup)
4565539	Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2 (Security-only update)
4565540	Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2 (Security-only update)
4565541	Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2 (Monthly Rollup)

Recommended Reading:  

See Dustin Childs review and analysis in Zero Day Initiative — The July 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. Note, however, that there are no Adobe Flash Player security updates for Active X.
• MSRT -- The Malicious Software Removal Tool is now run on a quarterly basis rather than monthly.  See Remove specific prevalent malware with Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool.
• 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

References

• Security Update FAQ
• July 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 Bugfix Update Released

Adobe released Version 32.0.0.403 of Adobe Flash Player for Windows, macOS, Linux and Chrome OS with assorted bug fixes.

Release date:  July 14, 2020
Vulnerability identifier: None
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:  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...

Pale Moon Version 28.11.0 Released With Security Updates

Pale Moon version 28.11.0 has been released.  The update is a development, bugfix and security update.  Linux versions will follow shortly.

The update includes DiD ("Defense-in-Depth") updates.  A DiD update is s a fix that does not apply to a (potentially) actively exploitable vulnerability in Pale Moon, but prevents future vulnerabilities caused by the same code, e.g. when surrounding code changes, exposing the problem, or when new attack vectors are discovered.

From the Release Notes
 

Changes/fixes:

• Changed storage format for certificates and passwords to SQLite.
  Please note that this is a unidirectional change, and mixing/matching versions with a shared used profile (e.g downgrading) may cause newly-added passwords being lost.
• Added a preference (browser.tabs.insertAllAfterCurrent) to enable always adding new tabs after the current tab, whether related or not.
• Changed the way Firefox extensions are displayed in the add-on manager (provide a clear warning).
• Denied other types of add-ons that aren't explicitly targeting Pale Moon's ID. Time to stop using those incompatible Firefox themes etc. and properly fork them!
• Improved the browser's DPI-awareness to be per-monitor instead of system-wide, on supported Windows operating systems.
• Updated bookmark backups code with the other half of what should have been done way back when, so they work fully as-intended.
• Added a preference (browser.bookmarks.editDialog.showForNewBookmarks) to enable immediately showing the edit dialog for new bookmarks.
  If set to true, clicking the star in the address bar will pop open the edit dialog immediately for changing details/sorting.
• Fixed the useragent string in native mode, and updated UA code to properly respond to live changes to some preferences.
• Tidied up front-end browser JavaScript.
• Changed the way sources are compiled (on-going de-unification).
• Improved compatibility with gcc v10
• Removed support for the obsolete and unmaintained NVidia 3DVision stereoscopic interface.
• Fixed some build issues in non-standard configurations.
• Fixed wrong positions when calculating the position for position:absolute child inside a table.
• Aligned file name extension of saved url files with other applications (lower case)
• Fixed building with --disable-webspeech (to disable speech synthesis)
• Added global menubar support for GTK.
• Implemented node.getRootNode
• Implemented AbortController (Abort API)
• Improved the uninstaller to use elevation when prudent and actually remove program files.
• Fixed a rare issue with editable page content.
• Fixed a crash related to ES module scripts.
• Aligned ES module scripting better with the current spec and removed eager instantiation.
• Fixed a potential issue with the JPEG encoder. (CVE-2020-12422) DiD
• Fixed a potential issue with AppCache manifests. DiD
• Fixed a potential crash in JavaScript date parsing.
• Fixed a problem with RSA key generation that would make it potentially vulnerable to side-channel attacks. (CVE-2020-12402)
• Fixed a potential crash due to multithread race condition. DiD
• Fixed a correctness issue in URL handling. (CVE-2020-12418) DiD
• Unified XUL Platform Mozilla Security Patch Summary: 2 fixed, 4 defense-in-depth, 10 not applicable.

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.


Release Notes

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 78.0.2 Released with Security Update

Mozilla sent Firefox Version 78.0.2 to the release channel today.  The update includes one security update rated moderate.


Moderate

• MFSA-2020-0003: X-Frame-Options bypass using object or embed tags

Fixed

• Fixed an accessibility regression in reader mode (bug 1650922)
  
• Made the address bar more resilient to data corruption in the user profile (bug 1649981)
  
• Fixed a regression opening certain external applications (bug 1650162)
  

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...

Optional Hotfix Released for Adobe Acrobat and Reader

Adobe has released an optional hotfix for Adobe Acrobat and Reader for Windows and macOS that addresses some important bug fixes.

Release date:  June 6, 2020
Vulnerability identifier: None
Platform: Windows and MacOS

Update or Complete Download

Reader DC and Acrobat DC were updated to version 20.009.20074.

 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...

Mozilla Firefox Version 78.0.1 Released

Mozilla sent Firefox Version 78.0.1 to the release channel today due the rollout of Version 78.0 needing to be stopped because of a bug that some users of the browser experienced after installation of the new version.

In addition, the security updates that were included in version 78.0 were finally published.  That update included thirteen (13) security updates of which seven are high, four are moderate and two low in severity.

High

• #CVE-2020-12415: AppCache manifest poisoning due to url encoded character processing
• #CVE-2020-12416: Use-after-free in WebRTC VideoBroadcaster
• #CVE-2020-12417: Memory corruption due to missing sign-extension for ValueTags on ARM64
• #CVE-2020-12418: Information disclosure due to manipulated URL object
• #CVE-2020-12419: Use-after-free in nsGlobalWindowInner
• #CVE-2020-12420: Use-After-Free when trying to connect to a STUN server
• #CVE-2020-12426: Memory safety bugs fixed in Firefox 78

Moderate

• #CVE-2020-12402: RSA Key Generation vulnerable to side-channel attack
• #CVE-2020-12421: Add-On updates did not respect the same certificate trust rules as software updates
• #CVE-2020-12422: Integer overflow in nsJPEGEncoder::emptyOutputBuffer
• #CVE-2020-12423: DLL Hijacking due to searching %PATH% for a library

Low

• #CVE-2020-12424: WebRTC permission prompt could have been bypassed by a compromised content process
• #CVE-2020-12425: Out of bound read in Date.parse()

New

• Fixed an issue which could cause installed search engines to not be visible when upgrading from a previous release.

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...