Adobe Flash Player Out of Band Critical Security Update

Adobe has released security updates for Adobe Flash Player.  The updates address a critical bug and includes security fixes, particularly improving the security mitigation that was introduced in the October 14th release of APSB14-22.

Affected software versions

• Adobe Flash Player 15.0.0.223 and earlier versions
  
• Adobe Flash Player 13.0.0.252 and earlier 13.x versions
  
• Adobe Flash Player 11.2.202.418 and earlier versions for Linux
  

Update Information

The newest versions are as follows:

ActiveX for IE and Macintosh version:  15.0.0.239
Plugin:  15.0.0.239
Linux: 11.2.202.424

Release date: November 25, 2014
Vulnerability identifier: APSB14-26

CVE number: CVE-2014-8439
Platform: All Platforms

Flash Player Update Instructions

Warning:  Although Adobe suggests downloading the update from the Adobe Flash Player Download Center, that link includes a pre-checked option to install unnecessary extras, such as McAfee Scan Plus or Google Drive.  If you use the download center, uncheck any unnecessary extras.

It is recommended that you either use the auto-update mechanism within the product when prompted, or my preference, the direct download links.

Note:  At the time of this posting, the direct download links have not been updated!  The direct download links are now available.

• Non-IE Plugin (Opera, Firefox, Etc.):  http://download.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/licensing/win/install_flash_player_15_plugin.exe
   
• Flash Player For Internet Explorer, Windows 7 and earlier:  http://download.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/licensing/win/install_flash_player_15_active_x.exe
• Flash Player for Internet Explorer, Windows 8.x and above: 
  Windows 8x systems will be updated via Windows Update.  Windows RT and Windows RT 8.x must obtain the update from Windows Update.  Microsoft updated Security Advisory 2755801 which includes a link to the updated KB article. 
• Google Chrome will be automatically updated.
  
  
• Flash Player Uninstaller:  http://download.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/support/uninstall_flash_player.exe
• Adobe AIR:  http://get.adobe.com/air/

Notes:

• If you use the Adobe Flash Player Download Center, be careful to uncheck any optional downloads that you do not want.  Any pre-checked option is not needed for the Flash Player update.
• Uncheck any toolbar offered with Adobe products if not wanted.
• If you use alternate browsers, it is necessary to install the update for both Internet Explorer as well as the update for alternate browsers.
• The separate 32-bit and 64-bit uninstallers have been replaced with a single uninstaller.
• Users of the Adobe Flash Player Extended Support Release should update to Adobe Flash Player 13.0.0.252.

Adobe Flash Player for Android

The latest version for Adobe Flash Player for Android is available by downloading it from the Android Marketplace by browsing to it on a mobile phone.   

Verify Installation

To verify the Adobe Flash Player version number installed on your computer, go to the About Flash Player page, or right-click on content running in Flash Player and select "About Adobe Flash Player" from the menu. 

Do this for each browser installed on your computer.

To verify the version of Adobe Flash Player for Android, go to Settings > Applications > Manage Applications > Adobe Flash Player x.x.

References

• Adobe Priority Ratings
• AIR Download Center 
• PSIRT Blog
• Security Bulletin: APSB14-26
• Release Notes:  Flash Player® 15 AIR® 15

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