Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Computing
  3. News

Oh, look! It’s another patched vulnerability in Adobe’s Flash Player software

Kevin Parrish
By

adobe flash player zero day vulnerability patched frustrated gamer cat 3
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Security firm Trend Micro has pointed out an unscheduled patch for Adobe Flash Player that fixes a zero-day vulnerability in the aging software. The patch addresses versions 23.0.0.185 and older released before October 11 for the Windows and Macintosh platforms, and versions 11.2.202.637 and earlier for Linux. The firm urges all Flash Player users to update the installed software immediately to keep hackers from gaining access to their PCs.

The vulnerability is designated as CVE-2016-7855, and enables hackers to run malicious code on a target PC using a Flash file. In turn, this code can install various threats in the PC’s system that eventually can grant the hacker full control. Adobe’s security bulletin lists the problem as “critical,” meaning there is a possibility malicious code could be executed through the Flash vulnerability without the target user being aware of any problem.

Recommended Videos

As per the bulletin, hackers are exploiting the vulnerability in limited, targeted attacks. The affected machines are based on Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10. There is no sign that Linux machines are also being targeted, but Adobe is updating Flash Player for that platform nonetheless, as well as Apple’s Mac devices.

“The built-in update mechanism of Flash will either automatically install the update or prompt the user to do so,” Trend Micro reports. “The versions of Flash that are integrated into Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge/Internet Explorer will receive updates via the update mechanisms of those browsers.”

Web surfers not sure about what version of Flash Player they are using can check the version number by heading here to allow Adobe’s website to scan the locally installed software. Users can also right-click on a webpage’s many Flash components and select “About Adobe (or Macromedia) Flash Player” from the menu. Users should do this for every browser installed on the PC.

The new update will bring Adobe Flash Player up to version 232.0.0.205 for Windows/Mac/Chrome OS, and up to version 11.2.202.643 for Linux. It revises the Adobe Flash Player Desktop Runtime, Adobe Flash Player for Google Chrome (and Chrome OS), Adobe Flash Player for Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge, and Adobe Flash Player for Linux.

This latest patch highlights the need to move away from using Adobe Flash on the web. Although it transformed a plain, GIF/JPG-embedded internet into an interactive multimedia experience, the software has also been the target of hackers as they seek to infiltrate connected devices. Vulnerabilities continue to appear, hackers continue to take advantage of them, and Adobe seems to be working around the clock just to plug in the budding security holes.

HTML5 has become the new internet standard, enabling rich multimedia experiences without web surfers needing to install software outside the browser. Even Adobe is pushing to move beyond the aging Flash platform, and will probably have a lot more time on its hands once Flash is fully phased out.

Until then, web surfers will need to endure the production line of Flash Player security patches as they roll out.

Topics
Kevin Parrish
Kevin Parrish
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kevin started taking PCs apart in the 90s when Quake was on the way and his PC lacked the required components. Since then…
Get this Asus laptop with a year of Microsoft Office for $199
asus vivobook go laptop deal amazon march 2024 lifestyle

You don't need to spend several hundreds of dollars on a new laptop that you'll use as a productivity tool because there are budget-friendly options like the Asus Vivobook Go L510MA. It's actually currently even cheaper from Walmart after an $80 discount, which brings its price down to just $199 from $279 originally. There's no telling how much time is remaining before the offer expires though, so if you want to take advantage of it, you're going to have to proceed with the purchase as soon as possible.

Why you should buy the Asus Vivobook Go L510MA
For a laptop that will be able to handle basic activities like doing online research, building reports, and browsing social media, you can't go wrong with the Asus Vivobook Go L510MA. It's equipped with the Intel Pentium Silver N5030 processor and 4GB of RAM, which are a far cry from the specifications of the best laptops, but it will be enough for simple tasks. The device also comes with a 15.6-inch screen with Full HD resolution, which is pretty large and sharp for its price, but it's still portable as it only weights about 3.5 pounds with a thickness of just 0.72 of an inch.

Read more
These are the 10 best gaming PCs I’d recommend to anyone
Graphics card in the CLX Hathor PC.

We review dozens of gaming PCs each year. In 2024, there are a ton of great options, but we've narrowed them down to a list of the 10 best gaming desktops that deserve your hard-earned money.

In 2024, we still recommend the Alienware Aurora R16 because of its fantastic design, solid performance, and decent value. However, there are several other options depending on your needs and budget. If you want a deeper look into how we evaluate gaming PCs, make sure to read about how we review desktops.

Read more
Samsung’s crazy 57-inch curved 4K monitor is $700 off today
The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 57-inch mini-LED gaming monitor placed on a desk.

Your investment in gaming PC deals will  go to waste if you don't upgrade your screen, and if you're willing to splurge for the best possible gaming experience, you'll want to go for the 57-inch Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 curved gaming monitor. It's pretty expensive at its original price of $2,500, so you're going to want to take advantage of any discounts that are available. Fortunately, Samsung has slashed its price by $700 so it's down to $1,800 -- it's still not cheap, but once you're playing your favorite games on this monitor, you'll quickly understand why it's worth every single penny.

Why you should buy the 57-inch Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 curved gaming monitor
The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 curved gaming monitor features a 57-inch screen with dual 4K Ultra HD resolution and a 1000R curvature, so it will fully immerse you in the worlds of the video games that you play with its lifelike details and vivid colors. It also supports HDR 1000 for better visual accuracy, and it uses Quantum Matrix technology for controlled brightness and improved contrast.

Read more