Mozilla Urges Firefox Users to Update Ahead of Root Certificate Expiration
Mozilla is strongly advising Firefox users to update their browsers to the latest version to prevent disruptions caused by an upcoming root certificate expiration.
According to Mozilla, a root certificate used to validate signed content and add-ons for Firefox and other Mozilla projects is set to expire on March 14, 2025. If users fail to update to Firefox version 128 or higher, or ESR 115.13+ for those on extended support releases—including Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1, and macOS 10.12-10.14 the expiration could lead to major functionality issues.
Potential Consequences of Not Updating
Without the updated root certificate, users may experience:
- Add-ons becoming disabled due to failed verification
- Issues with content signing, impacting the integrity of browser extensions
- Disruptions in DRM-protected media playback, affecting streaming services
- Outdated blocklists, preventing Firefox from recognizing malicious add-ons
- Inability to revoke untrusted SSL certificates, increasing security risks
Mozilla emphasizes that while Firefox may still function without the update, skipping it could expose users to security vulnerabilities and performance issues. The latest update ensures that a new root certificate is installed, preventing these problems before they arise.
How to Check and Update Firefox
To confirm that Firefox is up to date, users should navigate to:
Menu > Settings > About Firefox
Users running Firefox on Windows, macOS, Linux, or Android must ensure they are on version 128 or later (or ESR 115.13+ for long-term support users). Notably, iOS and iPad users are unaffected since Firefox on Apple devices relies on Apple's built-in WebKit engine rather than Mozilla’s root certificates.
Additionally, Tor Browser users which runs on Firefox ESR should also update their installations to maintain security and functionality.
Root certificates play a crucial role in verifying the authenticity and integrity of websites, software updates, and browser add-ons. If this certificate expires, Firefox will be unable to verify certain digital signatures, leading to security lapses, disabled extensions, and potential exposure to cyber threats.
Mozilla urges all users to update before the March 14, 2025 deadline to avoid interruptions and keep their browsing experience secure and seamless.
