"Critical" security flaw identified in Firefox

**Biff** · 10th May 2005, 22:43

Those of you cool enough to have switched from Microshaft IE to Firefox should take heed of the following warning:

"Firefox have announced that a critical security flaw has been identified in its web browser software. While there are no known threats to Firefox at present, the Mozzila organisation has recommended that all users of their browser software temporarily disarm Java scrip as a precaution until a patch is released".

Select Tools>Options> Select Web features, then uncheck the Enable Java and Javascript boxes.

It's still a lot safer than using IE.

**sAsLEX** · 10th May 2005, 23:03

they can do what they like to my shit heap computer! everything is shitting itself on me at the moment, why not one more thing!!?!

**Skyryder** · 11th May 2005, 18:52

Done. Thanks Biff.

Came across this on another site but had no idea where the java stuff was.

What's the fix?? Like is there one yet or are they working on it??

Skyryder

**k14** · 11th May 2005, 18:56

Originally Posted by sAsLEX

they can do what they like to my shit heap computer! everything is shitting itself on me at the moment, why not one more thing!!?!

rofl, i keep telling you its the user, nothing to do with the hardware.

**FEINT** · 11th May 2005, 18:58

Thanks for that!

**Biff** · 11th May 2005, 19:04

Originally Posted by Skyryder

Done. Thanks Biff.

Came across this on another site but had no idea where the java stuff was.

What's the fix?? Like is there one yet or are they working on it??

Skyryder

If you run Java, as a stand alone application, you may have noticed an update prompt today. Apparently that's part 1 of the fix. I understand from out IT guys that the second part is likely to be a patch to Firefox itself.

Happy/safe browsing until then. Although you may find your smilies dissapear from here for a while, depending on which version of Firefox you run.

**MSTRS:Me** · 12th May 2005, 09:33

Hey BB. I tried what you said in first post, then attachment screen/ability went to pieces. Turned on again - no problem. I use Firefox v1.3

**Biff** · 12th May 2005, 09:47

Originally Posted by MSTRS

Hey BB. I tried what you said in first post, then attachment screen/ability went to pieces. Turned on again - no problem. I use Firefox v1.3

What do you mean when you say "went to pieces"?
Disabling Java will stop various pop ups and scripts running unfortunately. The choice is yours as to whether or not to follow Mozilla's advice though. As I said, unlike IE, Firefox has no known threats at present. so the actual risk of getting anything nasty in your machine is very small.

If you want to disarm Java (I have), then try going to Java's Virtual Machine website: http://java.com/en/ to find out if you need to downloaded their latest software. (The web site will run it's own test on your machine). Then try Firefox again. I did this and mine works fine now. I'm also running V1.0.3.

Good luck

**MSTRS:Me** · 12th May 2005, 11:38

Originally Posted by Biff Baff

What do you mean when you say "went to pieces"?

Screen was laid out differently & although it appeared to operate OK, the 'Close this window' button wouldn't work.

**James Deuce** · 13th May 2005, 00:05

The 1.0.4 version critical update is now available. You can manually download by going tools>options>advanced>software update and click the "check now" button.