Zero Day Exploits Target Flash
Adobe scrambles to release patches for vulnerable Flash Player.
Adobe engineers worked overtime the past two weeks to restore security (and public confidence) in the ubiquitous Adobe Flash, which has been in the news recently with some high-profile zero-day exploits.
Adobe announced a patch on January 22 for a recent vulnerability (CVE-2015-0310) based on faulty memory protection. The patch applies to Windows, Mac OS, and Linux systems. According to security expert Kafeine, the exploit has already been integrated into the latest versions of the Angler exploit kit, a universal tool used by attackers. The attack was apparently used to install versions of the Bedep, a malware tool used for ad fraud.
The version of the attack detected in the wild appeared to focus on IE and Windows systems and could even compromise a fully updated version of Windows 8.1. However, researchers could not rule out the possibility of the attack being used with Mac and Linux systems as well. A later version of Angler appears to have been adapted to attack Firefox as well.
A related exploit (CVE-2015-0311) was also discovered in the wild and patched through a second emergency fix a week later.
Users are advised to install the patches as soon as possible.
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
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.