Short Take: Netscape fixes "Brown Orifice" bug

By Paul Festa
Staff Writer, CNET News

Netscape Communications patched a security hole in its Web browser that made computers vulnerable to file theft. In response to the bug, reported last week, the AOL division posted a patch in a minor point upgrade, version 4.75, of its Netscape browser to its download site. The bug, dubbed Brown Orifice, concerns Netscape's implementation of Java. Without today's patches, Netscape lets an unsigned Java applet read and distribute files by acting as a Web server.

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InSecurity Complex
Hackers create tools for disaster relief
At the first-ever Random Hacks of Kindness event, developers work on technology tools that emergency relief workers can use in disasters.
Gallery
Photos: Random Hack of Kindness
Technically Incorrect
Gates: Apple is 'a force in doing good things'
During a CNBC special in which he appeared with Warren Buffett, Microsoft's Bill Gates is effusive in his praise for Steve Jobs and Apple.
Microsoft
Hackers bypass Windows 7 activation
Coders have found a way to disable the normal activation requirements of Microsoft's latest operating system, although Redmond says it is working to shore up its antipiracy protections.
Video
Exploratorium's shocking 40th anniversary kicks off
Wireless
Windows Mobile loses nearly a third of market share
Smartphones that use Apple's, Research In Motion's, and Google's operating systems are draining Microsoft's mobile market share.
Video
A new workout for the Wii
The Social
Running a contest on Facebook? That'll cost you
The social network tightened its rules for companies running contests on its platform last week, and sources say those companies will be required to buy ad space too.
The Space Shot
NASA spacecraft confirms water ice deposits on moon
Deliberate crash of an empty rocket stage in a permanently shadowed crater near the moon's south pole last month kicked up definitive signs of water ice, scientists say.
Gallery
Photos: Top-rated reviews of the week
The Cheapskate
Killer deals on BlackBerry, Droid, and Palm Pixi
Make $100 on a BlackBerry, score a Motorola Droid for $120, or scoop up a pixie-cute Palm Pixi for 25 bucks. As always, however, plan on a two-year stint with the carrier.
Green Tech
Nissan says all-electric Leaf will compete on price
Kicking off a marketing tour for the all-electric vehicle, CEO says price will be "key to the mass market" but that it's too early to say what that price will be.