Firefox security patch released

A new version of Firefox was released on Tuesday, according to a security advisory that was posted on April 21, 2009. The advisory indicates that the release, version 3.0.9, resolves twelve known vulnerabilities in the popular browser. Several of these vulnerabilities are categorized as "critical" by the company.

Along with this patch release, Mozilla is in final preparations for a fourth beta test of Firefox 3.5. The upcoming major version upgrade, which I discussed in an earlier posting, is expected to be released for general use later this year. This release also continues to demonstrate Mozilla's rapid response to vulnerabilities. Although the open-source nature of the software means that it may be an easier target for miscreants, the patches come out so quickly that it's exceedingly rare for a widescale attack to have any success.

If you are a Firefox user and haven't applied the v3.0.9 patch, then from the Help menu, choose Check for Updates. This will ensure that your browser has the best possible protection from attack.

For more information ... CNet News article: Firefox 3.0.9 targets 12 security vulnerabilities