Firefox releases V57.0.4- includes fixes for meltdown, spectre attacks

Version 57.0.4 of the browser will be available on the following desktop platforms: Windows, macOS, and Linux apart from Android with the highlight of the update being around the security fixes for Meltdown and Spectre attacks.


Mozilla has announced the rollout of version 57.0.4 for Release channel users on desktop and mobile, Chatsworth Rising Sun reports. This update includes security fixes to resolve recent security flaws, namely, the Meltdown and Spectre attacks.

Version 57.0.4 of the browser will be available on the following desktop platforms: Windows, macOS, and Linux apart from Android with the highlight of the update being around the security fixes for Meltdown and Spectre attacks.

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Meltdown and Spectre security flaws have been found in Intel, AMD, and ARM CPUs, placing most computers and mobile phones at risk. Meltdown is specific to Intel CPUs but Spectre affects all devices alike. Meltdown allows hackers to bypass the hardware barrier, allowing them to read a computer’s passwords and other sensitive information.

Google has already issued security updates to protect against these attacks, browsers need to push updates to protect attacks through JavaScript. Mozilla, in version 57.0.4, has disabled the SharedArrayBuffer feature to prevent against Meltdown attacks.

Apple also recently announced that all Mac and iOS devices had been affected by Meltdown and Spectre, and to resolve the latter bug, will be issuing a fix for Safari in the coming days. However, no such update has been issued by Mozilla for Firefox for iOS.

Source: Digital Street SA

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