How attackers break into out-of-date kernels
Kernel Trouble
This deep look at how intruders attack an out-of-date kernel should be enough to convince you of the need to stay vigilant.
The multitudinous varieties of attacks that can affect OSs are hard to keep up with, but recently I wanted to test some Linux kernel exploits to keep up with my interest in ethical hacking. Such attacks often occur once access has been gained to a system. They are sometimes used in order to achieve privilege escalation – in other words, to boost a non-root user's privileges to the level of the root user in order to gain full control of the system.
It is easy to become content with the kernel you are running and forget to install all the updates and upgrade the system when the kernel is no longer supported. Many users install long-term support (LTS) Linux systems and get so used to them after five years that they aren't in a hurry to upgrade when the service cycle ends.
This article will introduce you to some techniques intruders use to attack old kernels, and, in case you ever had any doubts, it should convince you to never fall behind on those kernel patches and updates.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
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
-
Linux Mint 22.3 Now Available with New Tools
Linux Mint 22.3 has been released with a pair of new tools for system admins and some pretty cool new features.
-
New Linux Malware Targets Cloud-Based Linux Installations
VoidLink, a new Linux malware, should be of real concern because of its stealth and customization.
-
Say Goodbye to Middle-Mouse Paste
Both Gnome and Firefox have proposed getting rid of a long-time favorite Linux feature.
-
Manjaro 26.0 Primary Desktop Environments Default to Wayland
If you want to stick with X.Org, you'll be limited to the desktop environments you can choose.
-
Mozilla Plans to AI-ify Firefox
With a new CEO in control, Mozilla is doubling down on a strategy of trust, all the while leaning into AI.
-
Gnome Says No to AI-Generated Extensions
If you're a developer wanting to create a new Gnome extension, you'd best set aside that AI code generator, because the extension team will have none of that.
-
Parrot OS Switches to KDE Plasma Desktop
Yet another distro is making the move to the KDE Plasma desktop.
-
TUXEDO Announces Gemini 17
TUXEDO Computers has released the fourth generation of its Gemini laptop with plenty of updates.
-
Two New Distros Adopt Enlightenment
MX Moksha and AV Linux 25 join ranks with Bodhi Linux and embrace the Enlightenment desktop.
-
Solus Linux 4.8 Removes Python 2
Solus Linux 4.8 has been released with the latest Linux kernel, updated desktops, and a key removal.