I post at SearchCommander.com now, and this post was published 18 years 9 months 8 days ago. This industry changes FAST, so blindly following the advice here *may not* be a good idea! If you're at all unsure, feel free to hit me up on Twitter and ask.
Yes, another threat is here that won’t patch itself on the Microsoft Windows updates.
This security hole is in “Flash”, which is software that allows you to view Macromedia Flash sound and motion files over the internet. You likely have this software on your computer already, and it has a newly discovered vulnerability.
Upgrading and patching it may require more work than you may want to go through. Instead, just visit this page at Adobe / Macromedia and update your Flash player to the latest version 8 available and you’ll be fine.
According to US-CERT Alerts – here are some more details t oread if you have the time or interest. Otherwise, go run the 1 minute installation right now of the latest Flash viewer.
OverviewThere are critical vulnerabilities in Macromedia Flash player and related software that may allow an attacker to take control of your computer.SolutionApply Updates Adobe has provided the updates for these vulnerabilities. To obtain the update, visit the Security Bulletin. US-CERT recommends that you update to the most current version of your Macromedia product.Description
Some features of Macromedia products contain critical vulnerabilities. If an attacker can convince you to open a malicious Flash file, which may be hosted on a web site, he or she may be able to take control of your computer or cause it to crash. The Macromedia Security Bulletin provides updates that address these vulnerabilities. For more technical information, see US-CERT Technical Cyber Security Alert TA06-075A.
References* US-CERT Technical Cyber Security Alert TA06-075A.html – < http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA06-075A.html>* US-CERT Vulnerability Note VU#945060 –< http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/945060>* Macromedia – APSB06-03: Flash Player Update to Address SecurityVulnerabilities –< http://www.macromedia.com/devnet/security/security_zone/apsb06-03.html>* Microsoft Security Advisory (916208) –< http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/advisory/916208.mspx>