Firefox Flash Player Update on Linux
Flash Player Support on Linux and Firefox
Adobe has ceased active development of the Flash Player plug-in specifically for Firefox browsers running on Linux operating systems.
While security updates are still being provided, the current Flash Player version available through this channel is significantly outdated.
Alternative Flash Player Options for Linux
Linux users still have an avenue for accessing current Flash technology. The Pepper-based Flash plug-in, integrated within Google Chrome for Linux, remains a viable solution.
This plug-in can also be installed independently to function with Chromium-based browsers or even Firefox, providing access to the most recent Flash Player features.
- Adobe Flash: Development for Firefox on Linux has ended.
- Security Updates: Continue to be released for the existing version.
- Pepper Flash: The current version is available through Google Chrome.
- Compatibility: Can be used with Chromium and Firefox.
Therefore, utilizing Google Chrome's Pepper Flash plug-in represents the only method for Linux users to experience the latest iteration of Flash Player.
Adobe Discontinues NPAPI Support for Linux, Prioritizes Pepper
Further Reading: The Decline of Browser Plug-Ins and Emerging Alternatives
Back in 2012, Adobe made the decision to cease development of the NPAPI plug-in specifically for Linux systems. However, they committed to ongoing development of the Pepper-based Flash plug-in, which is utilized within the Chrome browser.
To understand this shift, it’s important to consider how web browsers handle extensions. Historically, Internet Explorer on Windows relied on ActiveX plugins. Meanwhile, browsers like Firefox, Safari, and formerly Chrome, employed the NPAPI framework.
NPAPI, originally created for Netscape, stands for "Netscape Plugin Application Programming Interface." It evolved into the standard plugin architecture for all browsers excluding Internet Explorer.
However, NPAPI is based on outdated technology. In 2013, Google announced plans to phase out NPAPI support in Chrome, citing issues like instability, crashes, security vulnerabilities, and overall code complexity.
They introduced Pepper, also known as PPAPI, as a replacement. Adobe collaborated on this transition, and the Flash Player distributed with Chrome – across Linux, Windows, and macOS – now leverages Pepper instead of NPAPI.
While Adobe continues to maintain the NPAPI version of Flash for Windows and macOS users of Firefox and other browsers, Linux users are limited to version 11.2 of the NPAPI plugin.
The current, actively developed version of Flash is 14.
Is the Flash Player in Firefox on Linux a Security Risk?
Adobe confirms that security patches are still being issued for Flash Player version 11.2 on Linux systems. However, their primary development efforts are now focused on the Pepper Flash plugin, also for Linux.
Consequently, Firefox’s Plugin Check tool doesn’t currently identify the older Flash plugin as being obsolete. It's important to understand that continued use of the older Flash version within Firefox will not provide access to the latest enhancements in performance, battery efficiency, or security protocols.
While Adobe hasn't yet declared an end to security support for Flash 11.2 on Linux, a discontinuation of these updates within the next few years is a distinct possibility. The current state of the Linux Flash NPAPI plugin is precarious; it is essentially being maintained in a limited capacity.
Understanding the Implications
The NPAPI plugin for Flash on Linux is nearing the end of its lifecycle. Eventually, Adobe will likely cease support altogether.
This means users relying on the older plugin may become vulnerable to security exploits. Staying current with the latest software is crucial for maintaining a secure computing environment.
The Incompatibility of Firefox and the Pepper Plugin
Firefox’s inability to utilize the Pepper Plugin is a frequently asked question. This article explains the reasoning behind Mozilla’s decision.
Mozilla’s Stance on Pepper Support
Mozilla has explicitly stated it has no current plans to integrate support for the Pepper Plugin into Firefox or its Gecko rendering engine. A concise statement on the MozillaWiki confirms this: “Mozilla is not interested in or working on Pepper at this time.”
Discussions regarding this issue have also taken place on the Mozilla bugzilla platform, further illustrating the company’s position.
Resource Allocation and HTML5 Focus
Robert O'Callahan, representing Mozilla, articulated the rationale behind this decision on a Mozilla mailing list. He posited that dedicating resources to Pepper Plugin support would be an inefficient use of development efforts.
Mozilla is actively focused on advancing HTML5 and other open web technologies. Their objective is to encourage developers to leverage these standards rather than creating proprietary plugins like those utilizing the Pepper interface.
The company believes prioritizing HTML5 will foster a more open and interoperable web experience for all users.
Supporting Pepper could inadvertently incentivize the continued development of plugin-based technologies, potentially hindering the adoption of modern web standards.
Is Chrome Required for the Most Recent Flash Player?
The newest Flash Player version on Linux is officially accessible exclusively through Chrome. It is integrated directly within the Chrome browser. No specific configuration is needed, and Chrome updates automatically include updates to the Flash plug-in across Linux, Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS.
The Chromium open-source web browser also provides support for Pepper plug-ins. However, Adobe does not offer the Pepper Flash plug-in as a standalone download. Several Linux distributions offer packages designed to facilitate the installation of Pepper Flash for Chromium.
Installing Pepper Flash on Ubuntu
For instance, on Ubuntu systems, the pepperflashplugin-nonfree package, available from the Multiverse repository, can be utilized. This package functions by downloading Chrome from Google, extracting the Pepper Flash plug-in, and then installing it on your system. Upon restarting your browser, Chromium will automatically detect and utilize the installed plug-in.
A significant drawback is that this package does not automatically update the Pepper Flash plug-in. Given the numerous security vulnerabilities inherent in Flash, which require frequent patching, this is a critical concern. Manual execution of a specific command is necessary to update the plug-in, and users will not receive notifications regarding new version releases. This security issue has been documented on the Ubuntu bug tracker.
To verify the current Flash Player version, execute sudo update-pepperflashplugin-nonfree --status within a Terminal window. To initiate the installation of a new version, use the command sudo update-pepperflashplugin-nonfree --install.
The latest iteration of Opera, presently available only as a developer release on Linux, is built upon Chromium. Consequently, it supports the Pepper Flash plug-in, requiring installation through the same method as Chromium. Opera has indicated that future versions of Opera for Linux may incorporate the Pepper Flash plug-in directly, as they are collaborating with Adobe on this integration.
The future of Flash is limited. It has already been removed from mobile devices, with Adobe ceasing development for Android Flash Player several years ago. While still present on many desktop websites, both the web community and Adobe are transitioning towards HTML5 and other browser-integrated web technologies.
It is evident that Flash is diminishing in priority, and Adobe will ultimately discontinue Flash Player development across all platforms. Adobe’s development tools already support exporting content to HTML5.
- Key takeaway: Chrome provides the most seamless Flash Player experience on Linux.
- Manual updates are required for Pepper Flash, posing a security risk.
- The web is moving away from Flash towards more modern technologies.