Firefox Users Urged to Upgrade: Root Certificate Expiring, Impacting Core Functionality
San Francisco, August 13, 2024 – MozillaFoundation has issued a critical warning to users of older Firefox versions, advising them to upgrade their browsers immediately to avoid potential disruptions in core functionality. A root certificate usedby the foundation, crucial for verifying various Mozilla projects including Firefox itself, extensions, and digital rights management (DRM) content, is set to expire on March 14, 2025.
This impending expiration poses a significant threat to users who haven’t upgraded their browsers to the latest versions. The root certificate is responsible for verifying the authenticity of websites and ensuring secure communication. Its expirationwill leave users vulnerable to security risks, including potential man-in-the-middle attacks.
Affected Versions and Recommended Upgrades:
Mozilla Foundation has already updated the root certificate in Firefox v128.0 and later versions.Therefore, all earlier versions, including those on desktop (Windows, Mac, Linux) and Android platforms, are impacted.
For users of the Extended Support Release (ESR) version, the affected versions are those prior to Firefox v115.13 ESR.
Consequences of Not Upgrading:
Failure to upgrade before the expiration date will lead to a cascade of issues:
- Website Access: Users might encounter difficulties accessing websites, especially those using HTTPS encryption. The browser will be unable to verify the authenticity of the website’s security certificate, leading to potential security risks.
- Extension Functionality: Extensionsinstalled in older versions of Firefox may cease to function properly. This includes popular extensions used for productivity, privacy, and security.
- DRM Content Playback: Users attempting to play DRM-protected content, such as movies or music, will encounter playback errors. The browser will be unable to verify the digital rights management information, preventing access to the content.
- Automatic Updates: After the expiration date, the built-in update system in Firefox may also stop working. This will necessitate manual download and installation of the latest version.
Mozilla’s Recommendations:
Mozilla Foundation strongly advises users to upgrade their Firefox browsers to the latestversions:
- Desktop and Android users: Upgrade to Firefox v128.0 or later.
- ESR users: Upgrade to Firefox v115.13 ESR or later.
These versions have already incorporated the updated root certificate, ensuring continued functionality and security.
Importance of Staying Updated:
This incident highlights the importance of keeping software updated. Regular updates not only patch security vulnerabilities but also ensure compatibility with the latest technologies and standards.
Conclusion:
The impending expiration of the root certificate poses a serious threat to users of older Firefox versions. By upgrading to the latest versions, users can ensurecontinued access to websites, extension functionality, and DRM content, while also mitigating potential security risks. Mozilla Foundation urges all users to take immediate action and upgrade their browsers to avoid any disruptions or security compromises.
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