Around 80% Web Users Running Vulnerable Adobe Flash Application

Security firm 'Trusteer' reported on August 13, 2009 that despite releasing an important patch by Adobe for Acrobat Reader and Flash several weeks earlier, around 80% of web users are still susceptible to attacks exploiting these flaws.

The report prepared by Trusteer discovered that out of 2.5 Million online banking users in Europe and North America secured by its Rapport security service, 98.8% had their Flash application active. From 98.8% Flash player users, 80% of them were operating outdated and flawed versions, whereas 84% were operating susceptible versions of Acrobat.

From security point of view, Acrobat and Flash applications are considered the perfect platform to insert malware in the system. In fact, attacking flaws in these programs is a very efficient job because it allows criminals to hit 99% of web users. On the other hand, attacking flaws in Internet Explorer hit only 65% of web users whereas attacks against Firefox touch 30% of web users.

CEO of Trusteer, Mickey Boodaei, states that Adobe is presently facing critical important security challenges. The biggest problem for the company is its software update mechanism, as per the news by BUSINESSWIRE on August 13, 2009.

He also said - for certain reasons, it is not advisable to circulate patches in the field. Considering the lack of attention received by this issue till now, it has been clear that small number of people actually comprehend the enormity of the problem. He further suggests that users and companies should instantly download the latest versions of Acrobat and Flash.

Director of Product Security and Privacy at Adobe, Brad Arkin, states that Adobe has worked to simplify the update procedure for users, as per the news by DARK READING on August 13, 2009.

He also states that providing product updates to users at appropriate time is just a part of an effective response and users should download the updates to remain secure. He also adds that they have undertaken numerous steps to make users aware and help them to get the new version of the product.

The reports informs that at the end of July 2009, Adobe came out with a critical update for Flash and Reader that plugged critical bugs in the famous applications.

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» SPAMfighter News - 8/29/2009