Linux Kernel Vulnerability

Windows isn't the only OS with vulnerability issues.

[pageoneresults]

Security professionals took note of a critical new vulnerability in the Linux kernel that could enable an attacker to gain root access to a vulnerable machine and take complete control of it.

Researchers Find Serious Vulnerability in Linux Kernel [eweek.com]

Wow, it's not too often that I see Linux in the news in regards to security vulnerabilities. This one is for you Brett. I know how you like to alert everyone when Windows has a Critical Update. ;)

[Josk]

Yes, but the difference is that with Linux they get fixed fast. With Microsoft you have wait a while before you get a fix...

[martin]

Not that I'm pro MS or anti Linux but it seems they fix it fast if they think it's serious enough. This was actually fixed back in September but someone had to take over Debian's servers to make people think about backporting the patch.... which is really sad.

[Wertigon]

Well, the security hole has been patched since September sometime; But noone really thought this would have that much of an impact of anything.

If you wish to blame someone, blame the distribution managers whom failed to stay up-to-date with this, not Linux itself. Hopefully this will lead to people patching it sooner than before. :)

[alexhudson]

It should also be pointed out that this isn't a remote exploit: you can't get into a machine using it. Debian got cracked because someone had their password sniffed, and the attacker could access that users' development account on the Debian machines.