PHP Attack Puts WordPress and Drupal at Risk
All websites that use these popular CMS tools could be vulnerable to denial of service attacks if users don't install the updates.
The WordPress and Drupal websites are warning of a newly discovered flaw that could make these leading content management systems susceptible to a denial of service attack. The so-called XML Quadratic Blowup Attack, which was discovered by security expert Nir Goldshlager, affects the PHP XML module, which is included with both WordPress and Drupal. The attack distorts the memory limit, consuming all memory and bringing down the system.
According to the blog post, this attack can work on a default installation of Drupal or WordPress and requires only one attacking computer to trigger the exploit. The popularity of both CMS systems means that this attack could affect thousands, or even millions of websites.
Patches have already been released at both the Drupal and WordPress websites. Users are advised to update as soon as possible.
Issue 171/2015
Buy this issue as a PDF
News
-
Intel Unveils Compute Stick
Four-inch-long computer on a stick lets you boot a full Linux system from any HDMI display device.
-
Obama Proposes Personal Data Notification Law
New statute would require companies to report break-ins to consumers.
-
TGXf Project Warns of File Transfer through Screen Pixels
Weird data transfer technique avoids all standard security measures.
-
Industry Giants Announce a Fix for the Password Mess
FIDO alliance declares the beginning of the end for old-style login authentication.
-
Poll: Vote for the Best Open Source Software for Photographers
The Linux New Media Awards have honored the most significant products, projects, people, and organizations for open source/Linux every year since 2000.
-
Debian Gets Forked
Legendary Uber-distro splits over the systemd controversy.
-
Linux Mint Project Releases Mint 17.1
New LTS version offers many refinements for the Cinnamon and Mate desktops and significant improvement under the hood.
-
CeBIT Open Source Forum Call for Papers
One of CeBIT’s most successful forums returns in 2015.
-
TOR Network Isn’t So Anonymous
A new study says it is possible to unmask 81% of TOR users.
-
.NET Goes Open Source
Redmond joins the revolution by turning the .NET Core Runtime into a GitHub project.