Return-Path: <nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id gBKFolX11062; Fri, 20 Dec 2002 10:50:47 -0500 (EST) Date: Fri, 20 Dec 2002 10:50:47 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <Pine.LNX.4.44.0212201044270.3674-100000@shagrat.silicongoblin.com> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: "Steve Linberg" <steve@silicongoblin.com> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-TECHNOLOGY:2705] Major Flash security vulnerability X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Status: O Content-Length: 1290 Lines: 29 According to <http://news.com.com/2100-1001-978261.html>, it appears that a major security hole has been found in the Flash/Shockwave player that could allow the execution of arbitrary code on any system. In English, this means that if you have Flash/Shockwave installed (and most of us do whether we know it or not), and you go to a website that has a damaged/hacked movie on it, anything could happen to your PC. It could crash, files could be deleted, private files or settings could be revealed, etc. The usual "ultimate-horror" situation. I don't normally call attention to security issues that aren't this major, but this one is big. EVERYBODY has to upgrade right away, according to the descriptions I've read. If you don't, your system will be vulnerable, and Flash/Shockwave movies are so widespread (and many play automatically, even in web-based ads) that you're essentially walking a minefield by surfing without upgrading. This affects both Macs and PCs. See <http://www.macromedia.com/v1/handlers/index.cfm?ID=23569> for Macromedia's announcement and links to downloads for updated versions. - Steve -- Steve Linberg, Chief Goblin Silicon Goblin Technologies http://silicongoblin.com Be kind. Remember, everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
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