Linux on Windows 10 Poses a Security Risk
Security researchers have already notified Microsoft; some fixes are available
As the instances of Linux virtual machines are increasing on Microsoft Azure, Microsoft is looking at Linux as a development platform. To enable sysadmins and developers to manage their Linux machines from Windows, without having to resort to a VM, the company worked with Canonical to bring Ubuntu's version of the Bash shell to Windows 10. To achieve this, Microsoft has built a new subsystem within Windows called the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). Ubuntu for Windows runs on top of the WSL infrastructure to offer Linux developer tools on Windows, but according to Crowdstrike chief architect Alex Ionescu, this design is creating some serious security issues.
Ionescu, who delivered a talk on WSL issues at the recent BlackHat security conference, has already reported his findings to Microsoft, and some of the issues have already been fixed. In an interview with eWeek, Ionescu said, "There are a number of ways that Windows applications could inject code, modify memory, and add new threats to a Linux application running on Windows."
Ionescu also added that the Linux environment running in Windows is less secure because of compatibility issues with the host operating system. He noted that Microsoft's whitelisting service for Windows application, AppLocker, doesn't work with Linux applications.
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
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.
-
Kodi 21.0 Open-Source Entertainment Hub Released
After a year of development, the award-winning Kodi cross-platform, media center software is now available with many new additions and improvements.
-
Linux Usage Increases in Two Key Areas
If market share is your thing, you'll be happy to know that Linux is on the rise in two areas that, if they keep climbing, could have serious meaning for Linux's future.
-
Vulnerability Discovered in xz Libraries
An urgent alert for Fedora 40 has been posted and users should pay attention.
-
Canonical Bumps LTS Support to 12 years
If you're worried that your Ubuntu LTS release won't be supported long enough to last, Canonical has a surprise for you in the form of 12 years of security coverage.
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.
-
New Pentesting Distribution to Compete with Kali Linux
SnoopGod is now available for your testing needs
-
Juno Computers Launches Another Linux Laptop
If you're looking for a powerhouse laptop that runs Ubuntu, the Juno Computers Neptune 17 v6 should be on your radar.