Mozilla Released Updates To Plug Security Holes In Firefox

In a post on its development website, Mozilla, because of security reasons, strongly suggested all Firefox users to upgrade their systems to the latest releases.

The open-source organization updated both Firefox 1.5 and 2 to versions 1.5.0.10 and 2.0.0.2 respectively. The patch for Firefox 2 plugs some compatibility problems with Window Vista. The group recommended users to upgrade to Firefox 2.0.0.2, as version 1.5 doesn't support Vista.

Only a single patch in the update is rated critical. This patch plugs three memory corruption problems, which cause Firefox browser to crash but this too could be exploited. Another trouble is the way the application manages the hostnames setting could help phishing attacks.

The Mozilla Foundation launched the Firefox 2 browser in October 2006 with better tabbed browsing and improved search options. But Microsoft (it shipped its IE7 browser a week earlier) and Mozilla rivaled on their anti-phishing features.

Mozilla Foundation stated in a post on its developer's blog that those who already have Firefox 2.0.0.x or 1.5.0x would get an automated update notice in next 1 or 2 days.

Snyder added that of late, Mozilla is getting increased customer feedback from people who are concerned about the browser security.

The latest update by Mozilla is available in 37 languages from GetThunderbird.com and GetFirefox.com for 1.5.0.10 editions of Thunderbird and Firefox, alongwith Firefox 2.0.0.2. It's also slated to available from February 23, 2007 afternoon just by clicking "Check for Updates..." in the help menu of Firefox.

The browser is amongst the most crucial software pieces on computer as it's something cyber-crooks are going after, said Snyder. She added that computer attacks are changing constantly and it's a must for every software developer to identify new security risks as they appear. She rated security as the top priority for Mozilla and said that these threats are not a new thing for them.

Window Snyder, Chief Security Officer, Mozilla, stated in webwereld on February 24, 2007 that with the sophisticated nature of browser in this Internet-based economy, warding-off malevolent attacks, working to eradicate susceptibilities and responding to researchers will dominate the large part of daily life in the predictable future.

Related article: Mozilla Rules Out Bug in Its Firefox

» SPAMfighter News - 3/7/2007