Mozilla celebrates Firefox’s 20th anniversary with an update that completely blocks third-party cookies

Mozilla is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its browser by releasing Firefox version 132 with important updates. One of the main innovations was the complete blocking of third-party cookies in order to strengthen the protection of user privacy. In addition, there is support for 4K video and other useful features.

Image source: Mozilla

The new version of Firefox fixes several vulnerabilities and improves overall security. According to PCWorld, 11 vulnerabilities have been fixed, two of which are classified as serious. One of them, CVE-2024-10459, is a use-after-free vulnerability that can lead to the execution of malicious code due to incorrect use of dynamic memory during browser operation. Another high-risk vulnerability is CVE-2024-10458, which allows authorization to be transferred from a secure site to an insecure site.

The update also adds support for 4K video on major streaming platforms, using Microsoft PlayReady technology to play content, which includes encryption and media copy prevention. For now, however, this function is at the testing stage and is available on a limited number of sites.

Особое внимание уделено защите данных. Пользователи, включившие в настройках браузера режим «Строгий» (Firefox > Приватность и Защита > Improved tracking protection) will now receive complete blocking of all third-party cookies. Their shelf life is also limited to 400 days. Mozilla has also worked on tracking parameters in URLs (UTM tags). If you use the “Copy link without tracking” function, the tags will be removed from the link.

In addition to the main browser, Mozilla has updated Firefox ESR, Tor Browser and the Thunderbird email client. Version Firefox ESR 128.4.0 received 10 vulnerability fixes, and the updated Tor Browser 14.0.1 simply transferred new security features from Firefox 132. The Thunderbird email client version 128.4.0esr (supported only on new operating systems) also received an update and fix 10 vulnerabilities.

For those who use Firefox on multiple devices, synchronization of bookmarks, open tabs and passwords has become available. However, if the sidebar for synchronized tabs is activated, you can close tabs on other devices through the context menu. However, this feature will have to be activated manually through the browser settings.

Let’s remember that the official date of Firefox’s anniversary is November 9, 2024, but the release of version 132 has already become part of the celebratory events. The next update, Firefox 133, is scheduled for November 26, 2024.