Adobe Issues Critical Security Update for Flash Player on Mac

[MacRumors]

Adobe this week released Flash Player version 24.0.0.221 to "address critical vulnerabilities that could potentially allow an attacker to take control of the affected system," including Mac, Windows, Linux, and Chrome OS.

Mac users with Flash Player version 24.0.0.194 or earlier installed should immediately update to the latest version using the built-in update mechanism. The update is also available from the Adobe Flash Player Download Center.

Flash Player users who had enabled the option to "allow Adobe to install updates" will receive the update automatically. Likewise, Google Chrome will automatically update Flash Player to version 24.0.0.221. Select "About Google Chrome" under the Tools menu to verify the browser is up-to-date.

Adobe said the critical security update resolves integer overflow, memory corruption, type confusion, heap buffer overflow, and use-after-free vulnerabilities that could lead to code execution. The vulnerabilities were reported by security teams from Google, Microsoft, Palo Alto Networks, and Trend Micro.

Safari on macOS Sierra deactivates Flash by default, only turning on the plug-in when user requested. Chrome, Firefox, and most other modern web browsers also have web plug-in safeguards in place due to repeated security risks. Adobe has released fifteen Flash Player security updates over the past year.

In 2010, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs shared his "Thoughts on Flash," in which he favored open web standards such as HTML5 over Adobe Flash. Jobs said Flash Player was "the number one reason Macs crash," while criticizing its performance on mobile devices. "Flash was created during the PC era - for PCs and mice," he opined.

Article Link: Adobe Issues Critical Security Update for Flash Player on Mac

 

[Oblivious.Robot]

A few years back, I took an advice of a macrumors memeber and removed Flash. Now I don't remember who it was, but thank you!

 

[DCJ001]

I am really glad that I uninstalled Flash years ago.

Steve Jobs was correct:

http://www.apple.com/hotnews/thoughts-on-flash/

 

[decimortis]

I wish I could join the Uninstalled Flash party, but I need the bloody thing for some rather archaic services I use at work. Maybe one day. Maybe.

 

[Xavier]

Dump flash and there won't be any more vulnerabilities.

 

[nwcs]

I'm amazed at how many places still require flash even today. They probably outsourced the stuff years ago and can't/won't pay for an update to anything modern. Little do they know they're opening themselves up to huge security holes themselves. Probably already are and still don't know it.

 

[2010mini]

Why is flash still around? By now everyone should know it is a huge security hole.

 

[Michaelgtrusa]

Removed long ago.

 

[H2SO4]

I can see this thread is going to be full of the same old people who don't use it moaning about how they don't use it ad nauseum. For the rest of us we are glad that at least Adobe are providing regular updates.

 

[Baerok]

Does anyone still use Flash in 2017?

 

[daanodinot]

The best security update is not having Flash installed.

 

[Mitch Buchannon]

Isn't every update from Adobe seen as 'critical'? Glad I've uninstalled

 

[pat500000]

Come on everyone..let's all moan..."awwwwwwwww."

They always have security issues.

 

[ike1707]

Oh look, Flash is still a thing, how quaint

 

[Mac-lover3]

I wish I could join the Uninstalled Flash party, but I need the bloody thing for some rather archaic services I use at work. Maybe one day. Maybe.

Well a thing you could do is use chrome for those tasks but use safari for all the rest.

 

[meteoreos]

It's so annoying that some online streaming services in the UK (looking at you, BT Sport) still require flash.

 

[0029937]

Well a thing you could do is use chrome for those tasks but use safari for all the rest.

Exactly what I do thanks to a previous tipster on here saying the same thing.

 

[zhang96]

Flash? Is this 2000?

 

[now i see it]

Flash.. The number one virus deployment vector on the Mac.
Adobe has been trying to patch this piece of Swiss cheese ever since they bought it from Macromedia...Decades ago. It's never ending. I think it's fair to say that flash is the most dangerous piece of software to have installed on the mac.

 

[coolbreeze]

Yay the "lol flash" elitism. Expected it, wasn't disappointed. I know Steve and you all are BFFs but some people still need it folks.

 

[silvetti]

Just don't install it and keep Chrome as a side-browser (if Safari is your main one).
Then you use Chrome's native Flash plugin which I trust more.

 

[iMacDragon]

Just don't install it and keep Chrome as a side-browser (if Safari is your main one).
Then you use Chrome's native Flash plugin which I trust more.

That's exactly what I've done since I got new system last year and reinstalled from scratch.

 

[Solomani]

A few years back, I took an advice of a macrumors memeber and removed Flash. Now I don't remember who it was, but thank you!

Was his name Steve?

 

[afinelion]

I can see this thread is going to be full of the same old people who don't use it moaning about how they don't use it ad nauseum. For the rest of us we are glad that at least Adobe are providing regular updates.

And full of the same people pre-complaining about posts that hadn't yet happened ad nauseum.

 

[H2SO4]

And full of the same people pre-complaining about posts that hadn't yet happened ad nauseum.

I do hope you’re not on about me. If you are, pls use your eyes correctly and read the posts before mine.