Zero Day Exploits Target Flash
Adobe scrambles to release patches for vulnerable Flash Player.
Adobe engineers worked overtime the past two weeks to restore security (and public confidence) in the ubiquitous Adobe Flash, which has been in the news recently with some high-profile zero-day exploits.
Adobe announced a patch on January 22 for a recent vulnerability (CVE-2015-0310) based on faulty memory protection. The patch applies to Windows, Mac OS, and Linux systems. According to security expert Kafeine, the exploit has already been integrated into the latest versions of the Angler exploit kit, a universal tool used by attackers. The attack was apparently used to install versions of the Bedep, a malware tool used for ad fraud.
The version of the attack detected in the wild appeared to focus on IE and Windows systems and could even compromise a fully updated version of Windows 8.1. However, researchers could not rule out the possibility of the attack being used with Mac and Linux systems as well. A later version of Angler appears to have been adapted to attack Firefox as well.
A related exploit (CVE-2015-0311) was also discovered in the wild and patched through a second emergency fix a week later.
Users are advised to install the patches as soon as possible.
Issue 244/2021
Buy this issue as a PDF
News
-
Another New Linux Laptop has Arrived
Slimbook has released a monster of a Linux gaming laptop.
-
Mozilla VPN Now Available for Linux
The promised subscription-based VPN service from Mozilla is now available for the Linux platform.
-
Wayland and New App Menu Coming to KDE
The 2021 roadmap for the KDE desktop environment includes some exciting features and improvements.
-
Deepin 20.1 has Arrived
Debian-based Deepin 20.1 has been released with some interesting new features.
-
CloudLinux Commits Over 1 Million Dollars to CentOS Replacement
An open source, drop-in replacement for CentOS is on its way.
-
Linux Mint 20.1 Beta has Been Released
The first beta of Linux Mint, Ulyssa, is now available for downloading.
-
Manjaro Linux 20.2 has Been Unleashed
The latest iteration of Manjaro Linux has been released with a few interesting new features.
-
Patreon Project Looks to Bring Linux to Apple Silicon
Developer Hector Martin has created a patreon page to fund his work on developing a port of Linux for Apple Silicon Macs.
-
A New Chrome OS-Like Ubuntu Remix is Now Available
Ubuntu Web looks to be your Chrome OS alternative.
-
System76 Refreshes the Galago Pro Laptop
Linux hardware maker has revamped one of their most popular laptops.