A critical unauthenticated Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability has been discovered, impacting all GNU/Linux systems. This flaw, which has existed for over a decade, will be fully disclosed in less than two weeks, as per agreements with developers.

The Severity of the Issue

Leading Linux distributors like Canonical and RedHat have confirmed the severity of this flaw, rating it 9.9 out of 10. This rating indicates the potential for catastrophic damage if exploited. While many expect multiple Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) identifiers to be assigned, none have been officially assigned yet. Despite the widespread acknowledgement of its severity, no working fix is currently available. Developers are still debating whether some aspects of the vulnerability directly affect security.

Challenges in the Disclosure Process

The researcher who uncovered this vulnerability has expressed frustration with how the disclosure process has been handled. They dedicated three weeks of their sabbatical to resolve this issue, only to face resistance from developers hesitant to acknowledge the flaw. Despite providing several proofs of concept (PoCs) that disprove developers’ assumptions, progress has been slow. This situation underscores the importance of responsible vulnerability handling.

The Need for Urgent Action

As full disclosure approaches, swift action is increasingly critical. The researcher acknowledges that developers face challenges, but stresses that vulnerabilities must be addressed promptly to protect users. Canonical has been commended for assisting in mediating the situation from the beginning, ensuring smoother communication. However, the broader Linux community must prepare for what could be a significant security threat.

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