Security researchers have discovered a new vulnerability with Firefox that might allow hackers to seize control of Unix or Linux machines running vulnerable versions of the popular alternative browser software. The vulnerability can only be exploited on Unix or Linux based environments. Firefox users at risk are advised to upgrade to version 1.0.7 to guard against attack.

The security bug creates a means for hackers to execute arbitrary shell commands providing they trick users into following a malicious link in an external application which uses Firefox as the default browser, such as the Evolution email client on various versions of Red Hat Linux. The vulnerability has been confirmed in version 1.0.6 of Firefox on Fedora Core 4 and Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4. Other versions and platforms may also be affected, security notification firm Secunia warns, however there's no evidence that the security bug is being actively exploited. The flaw, such as it is, was unearthed by security researcher Peter Zelezny. ®

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