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.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Red Hat Adds New Deployment Option for Enterprise Linux Platforms
Red Hat has re-imagined enterprise Linux for an AI future with Image Mode.
-
OSJH and LPI Release 2024 Open Source Pros Job Survey Results
See what open source professionals look for in a new role.
-
Proton 9.0-1 Released to Improve Gaming with Steam
The latest release of Proton 9 adds several improvements and fixes an issue that has been problematic for Linux users.
-
So Long Neofetch and Thanks for the Info
Today is a day that every Linux user who enjoys bragging about their system(s) will mourn, as Neofetch has come to an end.
-
Ubuntu 24.04 Comes with a “Flaw"
If you're thinking you might want to upgrade from your current Ubuntu release to the latest, there's something you might want to consider before doing so.
-
Canonical Releases Ubuntu 24.04
After a brief pause because of the XZ vulnerability, Ubuntu 24.04 is now available for install.
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.