Quantcast
Subscribe to magazine

Firefox Update Fixes Problem with Internet Explorer

Jeremy Kirk, IDG News Service

  • 0 Yes
  • 0 No

A new update for the Firefox browser fixes an unusual vulnerability that could cause malicious code to run if the browser is launched by Microsoft Corp.'s Internet Explorer.

The critical vulnerability involves Internet Explorer's ability to launch other applications such as Excel or Firefox after a user clicks on a specially written link in a Web page. Explorer does not properly check the syntax of the link, which could allow a malicious link to attack Firefox if launched, according to Mozilla, the open-source project that develops Firefox.

Microsoft said it didn't feel it was an issue for Explorer. Either way, Firefox's 2.0.0.5 release fixes the problem by now validating incoming data. The update will automatically be pushed out to Firefox 2.0 users via the built-in update system, Mozilla said in an advisory.

The update also fixes seven other vulnerabilities, two of which are considered "critical" by Mozilla. One problem, labelled 2007-18, is a memory corruption problem that could cause arbitrary code to run on a machine. The other, 2007-21, could also allow arbitrary code to run.

  • Recommend this story?
  • 0 Yes
    0 No

"Firefox Update Fixes Problem with Internet Explorer" Comments

Print 65% more pages than with refilled inks. Trust Original HP Inks. Hit Print Reliably.

Featured APC Accessories For Your System
10% Off Entire Cart at Online Store

  • APC Back-UPS ES Safeguards your equipment from damaging surges and spikes that travel along your utility & data lines.
  • APC SurgeArrest Performance Highest level of protection for your professional computers, electronics and connected devices, as well as provides surge protection.

People who read this also read:

  • 2007 Microsoft Office Suites Comparison This paper compares and contrasts four suites of the 2007 Microsoft Office system: Microsoft Office Standard 2007, Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2007, Microsoft Office Enterprise 2007 and Microsoft Office Ultimate 2007. This paper is intended to help organizations understand the applications and capabilities offered, and to identify the suite that best fits their needs.
  • Windows Vista Migration: The Business Proposition It's not so much a matter of "if" but "when" for most organizations regarding migration to Windows Vista. Laying the groundwork now for this migration can yield higher ROI than waiting until later. This Computerworld Technology Briefing explains it all.

PC World's Marketplace