Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Oracle Java SE JRE Security Updates

java

Oracle released the scheduled critical security updates for its Java SE Runtime Environment software.  This Critical Patch Update contains 12 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 8u241:  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:
  • 14 April 2020
  • 14 July 2020
  • 20 October 2020 
  • 19 January 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  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 suppress sponsor offers

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




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




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Microsoft January 2020 Security Updates



The Microsoft January security updates have been released and consist of 49 CVEs. Of these 8 CVEs, 7 are rated Critical and 41 are rated Important in severity. None of the patches released this month are listed as publicly known, but one is listed as being actively exploited at the time of release.

The updates apply to the following:  Microsoft Windows, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Office and Microsoft Office Services and Web Apps, ASP.NET Core, .NET Core, .NET Framework, OneDrive for Android, and Microsoft Dynamics.

Reminder:  After today (14 January 2020) Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 will be out of extended support and no longer getting security updates.

Known Issues:  The following KBs contain information about known issues with the security updates. For a complete list of security update KBs, please see 20200114. For more information about Windows Known Issues, please see Windows message center (links to currently-supported versions of Windows are in the left pane).

KB Article Applies To
4534271 Windows 10, version 1607, Windows Server 2016
4534273 Windows 10, version 1809, Windows Server version 1809, Windows 10, version 1809, Windows Server version 1809
4534276 Windows 10, version 1709
4534283 Windows Server 2012 (Monthly Rollup)
4534288 Windows Server 2012 (Security-only update)
4534293 Windows 10, version 1803, Windows Server version 1803
4534297 Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2 (Monthly Rollup)
4534306 Windows 10
4534309 Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2 (Security-only update)

Recommended Reading:  

See Dustin Childs review and analysis in Zero Day Initiative — The January 2020 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:

References


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

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Adobe Flash Update Released


Adobe Flashplayer

Adobe released Version 32.0.0.314 of Adobe Flash Player for Windows, macOS, Linux and Chrome OS. Once again, the update contains assorted functional fixes.

Release date:  January 14, 2020
Vulnerability identifier: None
Platform:  Windows, Macintosh, Linux and Chrome OS

Update:

*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



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








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