Firefox 115 Bids Farewell to Legacy Windows and Mac Users

Firefox 115 Says Farewell to Older Windows and Mac Users

Introduction

Firefox, one of the most popular alternative web browsers, has released its latest monthly update, version 115.0. This update brings with it important changes for users of older Windows and Mac operating systems. Starting from next month, users with unsupported versions of Windows and macOS will be automatically switched to the Firefox ESR (Extended Support Release) version, which only receives security updates, not feature updates. This move aims to encourage users to update their operating systems or consider switching to alternative supported operating systems, such as Linux. In addition to these changes, Firefox 115 also includes several security patches to address various vulnerabilities.

The Implications for Older Windows and Mac Users

Windows 7, Windows 8, and macOS versions before Catalina (10.15) will no longer receive Firefox updates after September 2024. This includes both major updates and even the Firefox ESR version. This means that users still running these older operating systems will not have access to the latest security features and bug fixes provided by Firefox. This poses a significant risk as outdated software can become vulnerable to cyberattacks and may not offer the same level of protection as newer, supported versions.

Considerations for Users

If you find yourself in the category of users with unsupported operating systems, it is crucial to take steps to ensure the security of your online activities. The first option is to update your computer’s operating system to a supported version. Microsoft has already ended support for Windows 7 and Windows 8, so upgrading to Windows 10 would be the recommended choice for Windows users. For Mac users, upgrading to macOS Catalina (10.15) or a later version is advisable.

However, if updating your operating system is not feasible due to hardware limitations, an alternative option is to switch to a supported operating system like Linux. Linux offers various distributions that are compatible with older hardware and provide regular updates and security patches. By switching to Linux, you can not only ensure that your computer receives system upgrades but also run an up-to-date web browser like Firefox.

Security Patches in Firefox 115

While the focus of this update is on the changes for older Windows and Mac users, it’s important to highlight the security patches included in Firefox 115. This latest release addresses several vulnerabilities, none of which are reported as zero-day exploits. The highest-rated vulnerabilities are as follows:

CVE-2023-37201: Use-after-free in WebRTC certificate generation

This vulnerability could allow potential remote code execution during audio or video calls, compromising the establishment of secure, end-to-end encrypted channels. Mozilla has addressed this issue to prevent attackers from implanting malicious code on users‘ computers.

CVE-2023-37202: Potential use-after-free from compartment mismatch in SpiderMonkey

The SpiderMonkey component of Firefox, responsible for handling JavaScript code, had a potential vulnerability that could enable a security escape or sandbox escape. Mozilla has fixed this bug to ensure remote JavaScript code cannot exploit the browser.

CVE-2023-37211: Memory safety bugs fixed in Firefox 115, Firefox ESR 102.13, and Thunderbird 102.13

Mozilla has addressed multiple memory safety bugs found in both the latest major version and the current ESR release. While the impact of these bugs may vary, Mozilla acknowledges that with enough effort, some of these bugs could have been exploited to run arbitrary code.

CVE-2023-37212: Memory safety bugs fixed in Firefox 115

The latest major version of Firefox includes additional security bug fixes that were introduced via new features added since the previous version. The introduction of new features often leads to the discovery of new bugs, which is why some users prefer the ESR releases, as they prioritize security updates over new features.

Conclusion

The release of Firefox 115 marks an important turning point for older Windows and Mac users. It serves as a reminder that keeping software up to date is crucial for maintaining online security. Users with unsupported operating systems should seriously consider upgrading to a supported version or exploring alternative operating systems like Linux. As technology continues to evolve, software providers will inevitably shift their focus toward newer platforms, making it essential for users to adapt accordingly. Additionally, the timely installation of security patches is paramount to protecting oneself from potential threats. Emphasizing the importance of software updates and online security will empower users to make informed decisions about their digital well-being.