Opera updates browser with slew of security fixes

Opera has posted an update to its flagship browser which includes fixes for security flaws and stability issues.

The company said that the Opera 12.13 will include four security fixes, including one to address a remote code execution vulnerability. Such flaws are commonly targeted by malware writers to perform automated "drive by" Trojan installations.

Other fixes include elevation of privilege flaws, authentication bypass errors and an undisclosed flaw which the company termed a "low-level" risk.

The company also introduced a handful of stability fixes. Among the updates are patches for HTML5 support, issues with the starting screen and an error which could occur when loading the chat component on Facebook pages.

Opera also issued an update checker for Windows and Linux systems as part of what it said is a transition to an automatic update platform.

Though users for most desktop and mobile systems can obtain the updates, experts noted that some platforms are being left vulnerable to attacks.

Sophos senior technology consultant Graham Cluley noted that Apple's Mac App Store still lists version 21.11 as the latest edition of Opera.

Cluley said that users who rely on the Apple desktop software service will be unable to get the latest version of Opera, possibly leaving them at risk for attack.

"The Mac App Store may be a convenient one-stop-shop for Mac users to get their software from, but it sure does a poor job at keeping that software up-to-date and ensuring that users are protected against the latest vulnerabilities," Cluley said in a blog post.

"Anyone who is relying on the App Store to keep their Opera browser updated, and free from security vulnerabilities is being let down badly."