New Linux kernel bug “Sequoia” lets you get root on most modern distros

New Linux kernel bug lets you get root on most modern distros. This Linux kernel's filesystem security vulnerability can enable any user to grab root privileges. Unprivileged attackers can gain root privileges by exploiting a local privilege escalation (LPE) vulnerability in default configurations of the Linux Kernel.

Linux kernel security vulnerability affects all versions of Linux.

This security flaw was introduced in April 2015 and is present in all systemd versions released since then (systemd is a system and service manager that is designed specifically for Linux kernel). The good news is that while this problem is alive and nasty in any system running the Linux kernel 3.16 through 5.13.x before 5.13.4, patches are available.

So, if you've been complacent and not updating your Linux computers, it's time to start typing in patching commands.

Comments

How AI-powered social engineering exploits help desk staff and what tech companies can do to stay ahead

Photographer: Centre for Ageing Better | Source: Unsplash In today’s digital world, technology advances swiftly, bringing both opportunities and challenges. Businesses and individuals alike rely on tech for solutions and support. However, cybercriminals have adapted, using artificial intelligence (AI) to conduct sophisticated social engineering attacks targeting help desk staff. Understanding these threats and implementing effective countermeasures is crucial for companies aiming to bolster their cybersecurity. Understanding AI-powered social engineering AI-powered social engineering involves using AI tools to mimic human-like interactions, exploiting the natural trust help desk staff have in their clients. These attacks can be compelling, as AI can generate language patterns and adapt quickly to responses, making it difficult for employees to distinguish between legitimate queries and those of malicious actors. AI's ability to learn and adapt in real-time makes these attacks part...

NVMe vs SSD: Understanding the Differences and Choosing the Best Drive Type for Your Needs

Photographer: Michael Kahn | Source: Unsplash Delve into the world of hard drive storage and discover the differences between NVMe drives and SSDs, the fastest storage solutions available for your desktop or laptop. Understanding Hard Drive Storage: A Brief Overview Hard drive storage is an essential component of desktop and laptop computers. It refers to the space for storing files, documents, and software. Different hard drives exist, including traditional spinning drives, solid-state drives (SSDs), and NVMe drives. Understanding the basics of these storage solutions is crucial for making informed decisions about upgrading or purchasing a new computer. Traditional spinning drives, or hard disk drives (HDDs), utilize a spinning magnetic disk to store data. They have been around for decades and offer ample storage capacities at affordable prices. However, they are relatively slower compared to SSDs and NVMe drives. SSDs, on the other hand, use flash memory to store data. They have no ...

Apple Journal Isn’t Just A Diary App

Photographer: Jan Kahánek | Source: Unsplash Apple Journal: The Features You’re Probably Ignoring By Greg Doig I’ll be honest with you: when Apple Journal launched with iOS 17.2, I dismissed it. It looked like a polished notes app with a nicer icon. I opened it once, saw the empty journal prompts, and went back to my regular routine. That was a mistake. After spending several weeks actually using it — and digging into how it works under the hood — I’ve changed my mind. This isn’t just a diary app. It’s one of the most privacy-respecting personal data tools Apple has ever built, and most people are using maybe 20% of what it can do. Here’s what I think you’re missing. The Core Experience: Simpler Than You Think Getting Started Open the Journal app. Tap the “+” button. Start typing. That’s genuinely it. Apple’s design philosophy here is low friction above all else. The assumption is that if opening your journal takes more than three seconds, you won’t do it consistently. They’re right. ...

Tech Tips

Search This Blog