Adobe Launches ‘Top Priority’ Flash Player Updates To Save Mac Users From ‘Code Execution’ Vulnerabilities

Adobe is rolling out top priority-rated updates for its Flash Players after learning about vulnerabilities that could put Mac users at risk of nondescript “code execution.”

According to MacRumors, the San Jose-based computer software company released a security update as a move to address critical vulnerabilities found in Flash Player version 23.0.0.162 and earlier, Flash Player Extended Support Release version 18.0.0.375 and earlier, as well as Flash Player for Google Chrome version 23.0.0.162 and earlier.

The vulnerabilities were specifically found on the Flash Players for macOS Sierra and OS X operating systems of Mac devices. However, Adobe also ensured that Windows and Linux users also receive the same fixes as a precautionary measure.

The updates reportedly address the 83 vulnerabilities found in the company’s Reader, Acrobat and Flash offerings, as per The Register. It was also found out that a dozen remote code execution flaws were found in Flash.

Speaking of why the new updates are very important, Adobe wrote in its bulletin: "These updates address critical vulnerabilities that could potentially allow an attacker to take control of the affected system.”

Users can download the updates via Flash’s update tool or directly from the Adobe website, according to AppleInsider.

For Mac users who have enabled the option to automatically update in their Flash Player 11.3 or later will not have to worry as the updates will be automatically downloaded and installed.

The latest vulnerabilities were reportedly identified by Tencent, Palo Alto Networks, Trend Micro and other researchers. Similar vulnerabilities were found this past March, and Adobe released a security update the following month after it was discovered that Flash-based advertisements were affected by ransomware attacks.