Browser maker Mozilla is urging users to update their Firefox instances to the latest version to avoid facing the use of add-ons due to the imminent expiration date of the root certificate.
“On March 14, 2025, the root certificate used to validate the signed content and add-ons for various Mozilla projects, including Firefox, will expire,” says Mozilla.
“For ESR users including Windows 7/8/8.1 and MacOS 10.12-10.14 users, if you do not update to Firefox version 128 or later (or ESR 115.13+), this expiration date can cause serious issues with add-ons, content signing, and DRM-protected media playback.”
Mozilla said the latest version of Firefox includes a new root certificate to prevent this from happening. This update is very important for all users of Firefox running versions prior to 128. This is the Enhanced Support Release (ESR) version prior to 115.13, released on July 9, 2024. This includes all versions of Firefox for Windows, MacOS, Linux and Android.
Root certificates are designed to identify the Root Certificate Authority (CA), a trusted entity that guarantees the reliability of websites, add-ons, and software updates. In this case, the certificate is used to verify that the browser add-on has been approved by Mozilla.
If a digital certificate expires, a certificate-dependent system will no longer be able to meet the guarantees of reliability and integrity, causing certain features such as add-ons, password violation alerts, or ensuring media playback.
If the update does not apply before the deadline, it also risks causing block lists that are used to flag harmful add-ons and revocation lists to recognize untrusted SSL certificates and preloaded intermediate certificates.
“It’s possible to use Firefox without updating, but there may be issues like the add-on being disabled, DRM media difficulties, and other disruptions,” he added. “Skipping updates means that critical security fixes and performance improvements are missing.”
Users are highly encouraged to make sure they are running Firefox version 128. Menu>[設定]>[Firefox]It is highly recommended to make sure you are running it afterwards by navigating to. It is worth noting that iOS and iPad users are not affected. Given that the Tor browser is a modified version of Firefox ESR, it is essential that users also update their installation.
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