First Maintenance Update for Firefox 3
Mozilla has just released version 3.0.1 of the Firefox browser; the first maintenance update removes a couple of vulnerabilities and fixes a some minor bugs.
The Mozilla developers closed down three security holes, one of which only affected Mac OS X systems. All three are classified as critical by the Mozilla Security Advisories. Mozilla did not disclose whether the vulnerabilities were the ones revealed shortly after the final release of thenext generation browser.
The first bug affected the browser rendering engine's CSS functions. Potential attackers could use a rogue website to exploit the vulnerability and run arbitrary code. This assumed that JavaScript was enabled.
The second vulnerability allowed attackers to open web pages in tabs via the command line despite the fact that Firefox was not running. In combination with other vulnerabilities this would give attackers the ability to sniff data and run arbitrary code.
The third vulnerability (MFSA 2008-36) alone affects Apple computers. The browser would crash if a user opened manipulated gif type image files in Firefox 3; this in turn might allow attackers to run arbitrary code.
The bugfixes included an page printing error, and an error that caused the phishing and malware database to fail to update on first launch. There was also an error that affected the SSL certificate exception list and that has now been fixed. For more information on bugfixes check out the Release Notes. Just a few days ago, the Mozilla Foundation released updates for Firefox 2 and Seamonkey, which were affected by the some of same bugs.
Updates for various versions of Firefox and for Seamonkey are available from the Mozila Websites. Binary packages will be released for various distributions in the next few days. Red Hat has already published updates.
Issue 268/2023
Buy this issue as a PDF
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Find SysAdmin Jobs
News
-
Escuelas Linux 8.0 is Now Available
Just in time for its 25th anniversary, the developers of Escuelas Linux have released the latest version.
-
LibreOffice 7.5 has Arrived Loaded with New Features and Improvements
The favorite office suite of the Linux community has a new release that includes some visual refreshing and new features across all modules.
-
The Next Major Release of Elementary OS Has Arrived
It's been over a year since the developers of elementary OS released version 6.1 (Jólnir) but they've finally made their latest release (Horus) available with a renewed focus on the user.
-
KDE Plasma 5.27 Beta Is Ready for Testing
The latest beta iteration of the KDE Plasma desktop is now available and includes some important additions and fixes.
-
Netrunner OS 23 Is Now Available
The latest version of this Linux distribution is now based on Debian Bullseye and is ready for installation and finally hits the KDE 5.20 branch of the desktop.
-
New Linux Distribution Built for Gamers
With a Gnome desktop that offers different layouts and a custom kernel, PikaOS is a great option for gamers of all types.
-
System76 Beefs Up Popular Pangolin Laptop
The darling of open-source-powered laptops and desktops will soon drop a new AMD Ryzen 7-powered version of their popular Pangolin laptop.
-
Nobara Project Is a Modified Version of Fedora with User-Friendly Fixes
If you're looking for a version of Fedora that includes third-party and proprietary packages, look no further than the Nobara Project.
-
Gnome 44 Now Has a Release Date
Gnome 44 will be officially released on March 22, 2023.
-
Nitrux 2.6 Available with Kernel 6.1 and a Major Change
The developers of Nitrux have officially released version 2.6 of their Linux distribution with plenty of new features to excite users.