Mozilla releases critical Firefox security update, offers Leopard support

By: Michael Stevens
Staff Writer
Published: Oct 22, 2007

Firefox version 2.0.0.8 now available with OSX Leopard support for Mac

Mozilla announced that Firefox version 2.0.0.8 is now available to download which includes 10 security updates for the browser and Leopard Mac support. The latest security release is Mozilla's third try at patching up critical vulnerabilities for Firefox.

Updates to Firefox can be done by loading the browser which will search for the latest patch release. Once found, the browser will automatically update itself using Mozilla's auto-updater technology.

Firefox also has a fixed critical flaw that could allow JavaScript hackers to run with the same privileges as the user. Another critical patch fixes two vulnerabilities which could exploit the browser with remote code. If you are using Firefox, it is important that you update.

The browser now detects when Windows mishandles URIs so that the wrong program does not get launched. Mozilla developers thought the issue was within Microsoft's Internet Explorer software which could invoke Firefox in a malicious fashion. While Microsoft is working on fixing Windows components to prevent URI protocol handler attacks, Mozilla did find an issue with Firefox as well, which was the previous 2.0.0.6 update.

Leopard support has been added to Firefox for the upcoming new Apple operating system for Mac.