Adobe Reader Critical Security Update

Adobe has released security updates for Adobe Reader and Acrobat XI (11.0.08) and earlier versions for Windows and 11.0.07 and earlier versions for Macintosh.  The update was delayed from last week to address issues identified during routine regression testing. 

These updates address a vulnerability that could allow an attacker to circumvent sandbox protection on the Windows platform.  Adobe Reader and Acrobat for Apple's OS X are not affected.

Release date: September 16, 2014
Vulnerability identifier: APSB14-20
CVE numbers: CVE-2014-0560, CVE-2014-0561, CVE-2014-0562, CVE-2014-0563, CVE-2014-0565, CVE-2014-0566, CVE-2014-0567, CVE-2014-0568
Platform: Windows and Macintosh

Update or Complete Download

Update checks can be manually activated by choosing Help > Check for Updates.

• Adobe Reader XI (11.0.09) for Windows is available here: http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/product.jsp?product=10&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.

Windows XP

If you are still using Windows XP and have Adobe Reader installed, please note that there will be no additional security updates for it.  I suggest uninstalling it and install an alternate reader.  Personally, I like Sumatra PDF.  It isn't a target and doesn't include unwanted extras with the install or updates.  (See Replacing Adobe Reader with Sumatra PDF.)  Adobe Reference:  End of support | Acrobat and Reader for Windows XP

Enable "Protected View"

Due to frequent vulnerabilities, it is recommended that Windows users of Adobe Reader and Acrobat ensure that Protected View is enabled.  Neither the Protected Mode or Protected View option is available for Macintosh users.

To enable this setting, do the following:

• Click Edit > Preferences > Security (Enhanced) menu. 
• Change the "Off" setting to "All Files".
• Ensure the "Enable Enhanced Security" box is checked. 

Image via Sophos Naked Security Blog

If you are looking for a replacement for Adobe Reader, consider Replacing Adobe Reader with Sumatra PDF.

References

• Release Notes | Acrobat, Reader
• 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 32.0.1 Released

Mozilla sent Firefox Version 32.0.1 to the release channel, fixing several issues.

What’s New

• Fixed -- 32.0.1 - Stability issues for computers with multiple graphics cards
• Fixed -- 32.0.1 - Mixed content icon may be incorrectly displayed instead of lock icon for SSL sites
• Fixed -- 32.0.1 - WebRTC: setRemoteDescription() silently fails if no success callback is specified

Known Issues

• unresolved -- Assistive technologies may cause performance issues on Windows XP
  

Update

To get the update now, select "Help" from the Firefox menu at the upper left of the browser window, 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
• Mozilla Firefox Release Notes
• Bug Fixes 

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

Microsoft Security Bulletin Release for September 2014

Microsoft released four (4) bulletins.  One of the bulletins is identified as Critical with the remaining three as Important.

The updates address 42 Common Vulnerabilities & Exposures (CVEs) in Microsoft Windows, Internet Explorer, .NET Framework, and Lync Server.  Reminder to those who have problems with .NET updates to install separately with a restart between other updates.

Critical:

• MS14-052 -- Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer (2977629)  

Important:

• MS14-053 -- Vulnerability in .NET Framework Could Allow Denial of Service (2990931)  
• MS14-054  -- Vulnerability in Windows Task Scheduler Could Allow Elevation of Privilege (2988948)  
• MS14-055  -- Vulnerabilities in Microsoft Lync Server Could Allow Denial of Service (2990928) 

Information on non-security update information can be found in KB 894199.

Notes

•  The following Security Advisories have been revised:
  
  • Security Advisory 2871997 – Update to Improve Credentials Protection and Management
  • Security Advisory 2905247 – Insecure ASP.Net Site Configuration Could Allow Remote Code Execution
  • Security Advisory 2755801: Update for Vulnerabilities in Adobe Flash Player in Internet Explorer
    
    
• 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.  The updated version includes the Zemot family of trojan downloaders.  Additional details ave available in the MMPC blog post.
  
  
• Internet Explorer -- For additional information about the included update for blocking out-of-date ActiveX controls see the TechNet article, Out-of-date ActiveX control blocking. 
  
  
• Windows 8.1 -- Non-security new features and improvements for Windows 8.1. are now included with the second Tuesday of the month updates.  Additional information is available at August updates for Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2.
  
  
• Windows XP -- Although Microsoft has stopped providing Microsoft Security Essentials for Windows XP, definitions will be available until July 15, 2015.  See Microsoft antimalware support for Windows XP.  The MSRT still works on Windows XP.
  

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: The September 2014 Security Updates
• TechNet: Microsoft Security Bulletin for September 2014 

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