Adobe Flash Player Critical Security Update

Adobe has released security updates for Adobe Flash Player for Windows, Macintosh and Linux.  These updates address vulnerabilities that could cause a crash and potentially allow an attacker to take control of the affected system.

With today's Windows Update, Internet Explorer 10 and 11 in Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 Preview are also updated.  Windows RT must obtain the update from Windows Update.

Update Information

The newest versions are as follows:

Windows and Macintosh:  11.8.800.94
Linux: 11.2.202.297
Android 4x: 11.1.115.69
Android 3x:  11.1.111.64

Adobe AIR:  3.8

Release date: July 9, 2013
Vulnerability identifier: APSB13-17

CVE number: CVE-2013-3344, CVE-2013-3345, CVE-2013-3347
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 Google Drive.

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_11_plugin.exe
   
• Windows XP, Vista and 7:
  Flash Player For Internet Explorer 7, 8, 9, 10:  http://download.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/licensing/win/install_flash_player_11_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.

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

• Adobe Priority Ratings
• Adobe Security Advisory: Security updates available for Adobe Flash Player
• AIR Download Center
• PSIRT Blog: Security updates available for Adobe Flash Player (APSB13-16)
• Release Notes:  Flash Player® 11.8 AIR® 3.8

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

Microsoft Security Updates for July 2013

Microsoft released seven (7) bulletins.  Six of the bulletins are identified as Critical with one bulletin rated Important.

The bulletins address 34 vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows, Internet Explorer, .NET Framework, Silverlight, GDI+ and Windows Defender.

The updates to IE and Windows require a restart.  In addition, with .NET Framework included in the updates, users who have had problems with .NET Framework in the past are reminded to install MS13-052 separately with a shutdown/restart between other updates.

New Security Policy for Store Apps

Microsoft announced a new security policy for apps available through the Windows Store, Windows Phone Store, Office Store, and Azure Marketplace.  Effective immediately, developers are required to submit an updated app within 180 days of being notified of a Critical or Important security vulnerability.

In the event you discover a vulnerability in a store application and have no success working with the developer, contact secure@microsoft.com for assistance.

Bulletin ID	Bulletin Title
MS13-052	Vulnerabilities in .NET Framework and Silverlight Could Allow Remote Code Execution (2861561).
MS13-053	Vulnerabilities in Windows Kernel-Mode Drivers Could Allow Remote Code Execution (2850851).
MS13-054	Vulnerability in GDI+ Could Allow Remote Code Execution (2848295)
MS13-055	Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer (2846071)
MS13-056	Vulnerability in Microsoft DirectShow Could Allow Remote Code Execution (2845187)
MS13-057	Vulnerability in Windows Media Format Runtime Could Allow Remote Code Execution (2847883)
MS13-058	Vulnerability in Windows Defender Could Allow Elevation of Privilege (2847927)

Users of Windows XP are reminded that support ends for Windows XP on April 8, 2014.  See Tim Rains article, The Countdown Begins: Support for Windows XP Ends on April 8, 2014.

Support

The following additional information is provided in the Security Bulletin:

• The affected software listed have been tested to determine which versions are affected. Other versions are past their support life cycle. To determine the support life cycle for your software version, visit Microsoft Support Lifecycle.
• Security solutions for IT professionals: TechNet Security Troubleshooting and Support
• Help protect your computer that is running Windows from viruses and malware: Virus Solution and Security Center
• Local support according to your country: International Support

References

• MSRC: A new policy for store apps and the July 2013 security updates
• TechNet: Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for July 2013
• Security and Safety Center:  Microsoft security updates for July 2013 
• Microsoft Security: Microsoft Announces New Security Policy for Windows Apps

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

Security Bulletin Advance Notice for July 2013

On Tuesday, July 9, 2013, Microsoft is planning to release seven (7) bulletins.  Six of the bulletins are identified as Critical with one bulletin rated Important.

The critical bulletis will address vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows, .NET Framework, Silverlight, Internet Explorer and GDI+. The bulletin rated Important will address issues in Microsoft Security software.

With .NET Framework included in the updates, users who have had problems with .NET Framework in the past are reminded to install this update separately with a shutdown/restart between other updates.

Microsoft is also planning on addressing CVE-2013-3660, a publicly known issue in the Kernel-Mode Drivers component of Windows in the updates.

As happens each month, Microsoft will also release an updated version of the Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool on Windows Update, Microsoft Update, Windows Server Update Services, and the Download Center.

References

• MSRC Blog:  Advance Notification Service for July 2013 Security Bulletin Release
• TechNet: Microsoft Security Bulletin Advance Notification for July 2013

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