The Register: Tons of Linux apps at risk

[Simon]

A huge amount of Linux software can be hijacked by hackers from the other side of the internet, thanks to a serious vulnerability in the GNU C Library (glibc).

Simply clicking on a link or connecting to a server can lead to remote code execution, allowing scumbags to steal passwords, spy on users, attempt to seize control of computers, and so on. Any software that connects to things on a network or the internet, and uses glibc, is at risk.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/02/16/glibc_linux_dns_vulernability/

[zappaDPJ]

My understanding is that although this is a real risk which affects a lot of software, it's quite difficult to exploit due to various protections such as address space layout randomization which is designed to prevent these kinds of attacks.

[Simon]

Of course, The Register would never make a mountain out of a molehill.   

[zappaDPJ]

I think the reference to 'scumbags' made me question their journalistic integrity just a smidgen

[Glenn]

I thought the BBC was slow at reporting, but they run this earlier in the week.