Adobe Released Critical Flash Update for Windows and Mac

On Tuesday, Adobe released a critical update for their Flash player. This patch is designed to mend a security flaw which may enable hackers to gain access to your computer through popular websites such as eBay, Tumblr, Twitter and Instagram.

This update (Version 14.0.0.145) has been pushed to Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems and as according to the security blogger Michele Spagnuolo, the patched flaw may have let hackers steal cookies that authenticate users on thousands of websites.

Adobe’s security bulletin read:

“These updates address vulnerabilities that could potentially allow an attacker to take control of the affected system. Adobe recommends users update their product installations to the latest versions.”

Spagnuolo also commented that many of the targeted websites have worked to fix the error from their side of the fence, alongside Adobe fixing their issues.

For those of you with Google Chrome or Microsoft Internet Explorer on Windows 8, you will receive this update automatically. If you wish to update your version manually, you can do so by the Adobe Flash Player Download Centre. Adobe has also issued the highest level of threat rating to this flaw and advised all users to promptly update their versions.

Microsoft are working on security issues of their own, as cnet has pointed out:

“Microsoft also issued several critical security updates on Tuesday, which patch 29 vulnerabilities in Windows and Internet Explorer.”

We haven’t seen any reports of this security flaw being used to full effect yet, but I’m sure we will report when or if it happens.

Image courtesy of Tech Audible