Opera users are urged to update their browser software following the discovery of a security flaw that creates a means for hackers to read local files using a form of cross-site scripting attack.

The vulnerability stems from a failure by Opera to restrict JavaScript privileges, for example, when "javascript:" URLs are opened in new windows or frames. The vulnerability has been confirmed in Opera version 8.0. Other versions may also be affected. Security alerting firm Secunia, which discovered the bug, describes the vulnerability as "moderately critical". Users of the popular alternative browser software are urged to update to version 8.01 of Opera for Windows and Linux, released on Thursday (16 June). ®

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