X

Adobe issues emergency Flash update for Windows and Mac

The company releases an update to patch a vulnerability that could allow hackers to remotely take control of users' computers.

Dara Kerr Former senior reporter
Dara Kerr was a senior reporter for CNET covering the on-demand economy and tech culture. She grew up in Colorado, went to school in New York City and can never remember how to pronounce gif.
See full bio
Dara Kerr
2 min read

Adobe is recommending that users update their Flash Players immediately -- especially those who frequent Google Chrome and Internet Explorer. The company released an emergency security bulletin on Tuesday that addresses vulnerabilities in Flash, which could be exploited by hackers.

"This vulnerability could allow an attacker to remotely take control of the affected system," Adobe wrote in a blog post. "Adobe is aware of reports that an exploit for this vulnerability exists in the wild, and recommends users apply the updates referenced in the security bulletin."

Adobe assigned a Priority 1 rating to the vulnerabilities being exploited on Windows and Macintosh and advised users of both operating systems to install the update. That rating -- Adobe's highest threat level -- identifies "vulnerabilities being targeted, or which have a higher risk of being targeted, by exploit(s) in the wild." The bulletin also said that the Flash vulnerability faced by Linux users rated a Priority 3, which refers to "a product that has historically not been a target for attackers."

Adobe recommends users update to the latest versions:

  • Users of Adobe Flash Player 12.0.0.43 and earlier versions for Windows and Macintosh should update to Adobe Flash Player 12.0.0.44.
  • Users of Adobe Flash Player 11.2.202.335 and earlier versions for Linux should update to Adobe Flash Player 11.2.202.336.
  • Adobe Flash Player 12.0.0.41 installed with Google Chrome will automatically be updated to the latest Google Chrome version, which will include Adobe Flash Player 12.0.0.44 for Windows, Macintosh and Linux.
  • Adobe Flash Player 12.0.0.38 installed with Internet Explorer 10 will automatically be updated to the latest Internet Explorer 10 version, which will include Adobe Flash Player 12.0.0.44 for Windows 8.0.
  • Adobe Flash Player 12.0.0.38 installed with Internet Explorer 11 will automatically be updated to the latest Internet Explorer 11 version, which will include Adobe Flash Player 12.0.0.44 for Windows 8.1.

Users can update their version of Flash from the Adobe Flash Player Download Center.