Mozilla unveils Firefox update

The main fix in Firefox 3.0.6 is for a critical JavaScript problem

Mozilla has released an updated version of its open-source Firefox browser, which tackles six main security and stability problems from previous versions.

Mozilla said that the main fix in version 3.0.6 was to a critical JavaScript problem that affected the browser's layout engine, making it vulnerable to hackers who could theoretically exploit the weakness and run unauthorised code on exploited machines. The issue also affected Mozilla's Thunderbird email client and its SeaMonkey internet suite.

Mozilla noted that the update addressed and improved how scripted commands work with plug-ins, while also fixing certain display issues that occurred if Firefox was left open for long periods of time.

The update will come as another blow to Microsoft's Internet Explorer, which is losing market share to its open-source rival, according to new statistics from web metrics specialist Net Applications.

Figures show that, while Internet Explorer has lost seven percentage points, slumping to just 67.55 per cent of browser market share, Mozilla's Firefox has climbed three per cent to 21.53.