Adobe released critical updates for its Flash Player and AIR applications yesterday to patch over major security holes, coinciding with Microsoft’s regular Patch Tuesday.
Flash versions 10.0.32.18 and prior for all operating systems require the update to version 10.0.42.34. Adobe lists several critical bug fixes, including “a vulnerability in the parsing of JPEG data that could potentially lead to code execution.” For a full list of fixes see Adobe’s security bulletin.
To check your Flash version, head to http://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/ and look for the small box titled “Version Information.” Pick up the latest Flash version from the Player Download Center – and note the opt-out for also downloading a McAfee Security Scan.
Flash might automatically check for updates, but is probably only set to do so once every 30 days. To drop that down to every 7 days (the shortest option), visit the Flash Player Settings Manager. Changes made using the Settings Manager will affect the version of Flash installed on your PC, and you’ll only need to change the settings even if you use multiple browsers.
AIR users with versions 1.5.2 and prior will need to bump up to version 1.5.3, available from the AIR Download Center. For more information, see Adobe’s Security Bulletin.