Kernel 2.6.25: 64 Bit Systems At Risk
The changelog for kernel 2.6.25.11 includes just a single entry, however, it seems to be so important that the Kernel Stable Team urgently advises users to upgrade the kernel on 64 bit multiple user systems.
The patch by Geman developer Michael Karcher remove an issue in the local descriptor table (ldt) on x86_64 systems. Details of the bug have not yet been disclosed. In his release announcement Greg Kroah-Hartman writes that systems with unrestricted user accounts should definitely be updated. It can be assumed that logged in users are able to escalate their privileges thanks to the bug.
A couple of days ago, the kernel 2.6.25.10 release removed two vulnerabilities both of which affected the x86_64 platform. The first bug affected several drivers and could be exploited to run arbitrary code, or crash the kernel. The second bug affected the "sys32_ptrace()" function in "arch/x86/kernel/ptrace.c" and could cause an overflow of the "refcount" field in the "task_struct" structure, thus causing a number of system errors.
The bugs affect all 2.6.25 series kernels. The kernel development team urgently advises users to install patches.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Fedora Continues 32-Bit Support
In a move that should come as a relief to some portions of the Linux community, Fedora will continue supporting 32-bit architecture.
-
Linux Kernel 6.17 Drops bcachefs
After a clash over some late fixes and disagreements between bcachefs's lead developer and Linus Torvalds, bachefs is out.
-
ONLYOFFICE v9 Embraces AI
Like nearly all office suites on the market (except LibreOffice), ONLYOFFICE has decided to go the AI route.
-
Two Local Privilege Escalation Flaws Discovered in Linux
Qualys researchers have discovered two local privilege escalation vulnerabilities that allow hackers to gain root privileges on major Linux distributions.
-
New TUXEDO InfinityBook Pro Powered by AMD Ryzen AI 300
The TUXEDO InfinityBook Pro 14 Gen10 offers serious power that is ready for your business, development, or entertainment needs.
-
Danish Ministry of Digital Affairs Transitions to Linux
Another major organization has decided to kick Microsoft Windows and Office to the curb in favor of Linux.
-
Linux Mint 20 Reaches EOL
With Linux Mint 20 at its end of life, the time has arrived to upgrade to Linux Mint 22.
-
TuxCare Announces Support for AlmaLinux 9.2
Thanks to TuxCare, AlmaLinux 9.2 (and soon version 9.6) now enjoys years of ongoing patching and compliance.
-
Go-Based Botnet Attacking IoT Devices
Using an SSH credential brute-force attack, the Go-based PumaBot is exploiting IoT devices everywhere.
-
Plasma 6.5 Promises Better Memory Optimization
With the stable Plasma 6.4 on the horizon, KDE has a few new tricks up its sleeve for Plasma 6.5.