PlayBook To Get Important OS Update

Not long ago, we learned of an issue that affects all systems running Flash. Although most users' minds automatically think of the vulnerabilities they could be exposed to on their PC, because the BlackBerry PlayBook supports flash, this tablet is also susceptible. For this reason, RIM is releasing a new version of the BlackBerry Tablet OS (version 1.0.5.2342) with an updated version of Adobe Flash Player that resolves the issue.

Although there are no reports of BlackBerry PlayBook users being affected by the Adobe Flash issue, RIM is encouraging every PlayBook user to update to the latest version of the BlackBerry Tablet OS. Adobe rates the vulnerability as “important” rather than critical. This vulnerability has a Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) score of 4.3. The same flaw also affects Flash running on Android devices. A separate fix for Android users is expected to be available.

Users should receive the software update automatically over the air—you'll see a software update notification on the BlackBerry PlayBook status ribbon when it's ready. If you're too impatient to wait, you can check for the update manually by looking in the settings menu under Software Updates. Users who purchase and activate a BlackBerry PlayBook tablet from here on out will automatically be updated to v1.0.5.2342 or later as part of the BlackBerry PlayBook setup process and no further update is required.