CeBIT 2010 CFP

A null-pointer dereference in the Linux kernel allows local users to assume root privileges. Brad Spengler, who claims first discovery, announced that he will present a corresponding exploit during the course of the day.

Tailbeep is a simple administration tool that sends an audible beep when it finds a specified search string in a log file. Version 0.45 now includes an interface to the Festival speech synthesis framework.

The current discussion in the Ubuntu forums is about a possible security hole in GNOME, specifically about GNOME registered users having their passwords appear as cleartext on the keyring. Not a bug, say its defenders, but the security concept behind the GNOME keyring.

The Linux-Kongress is traditionally where kernel developers exchange honors and advice about new features and enhancements. This year a number of speakers presented performance improvement data and discussed what aspects of Linux can be drawn out even more.

Italian firm Endian has completed work on a Linux-based firewall software product in version 2.3. The Community edition of the Endian Firewall (EFW) includes features that were previously available for paying customers only.

Most Linux users think of Trusted Platform Module (TPM) as digital rights management (DRM), i.e. software freedom prevention. However, TPM used in some Intel computer modules may have some useful functions.

Mozilla added Microsoft's .NET Framework Assistant to its add-ons blocklist over the weekend. The blocklist blocks programs with evident security vulnerabilities. Before the weekend was over, the app was stricken from the list again.

An SSH connection to a not directly linked system frequently makes at least one hop through the DMZ. The Belier tool simplifies this process. The program is now available in Debian's sid repository.