Security Group Warns of Hole in Linux KernelAccording to an IDG News Service story posted on InfoWorld, computer security researchers are again warning about a critical vulnerability in the Linux kernel that could be used by malicious hackers to take control of systems using the popular open source operating system. ISEC, a noncommercial security research group based in Poland, discovered the problem in kernel code for a component called “mremap,” used to manage virtual memory on Linux systems. Attackers could use the vulnerability to create an invalid virtual memory area (VMA), which could destabilize the Linux operating system or allow a malicious user to run attack code on the system, the report says. No Direction from Bush in Leak ProbeThe Washington Post today. The forms could put pressure on White House officials as well as journalists, the Post reports, who would be told that the source wants reporters to answer the FBI’s questions rather than assert any journalistic privilege. The formal investigation began Sept. 30, aimed at pinning down who in the government revealed Plame’s identity, which was printed by columnist Robert D. Novak on July 14. Bush has expressed doubt that the leaker will be found, citing the number of people who could fit Novak’s description of his source: a “senior administration official.” White House press secretary Scott McClellan declined to say yesterday whether President Bush thinks his aides should sign forms that would release reporters from any pledges of confidentiality regarding the leak of the identity of CIA operative Valerie Plame, according to AOL to Add Spyware Detection to ServiceNew York Times, America Online will give its customers built-in software to detect and remove “spyware,” hidden tools that can monitor Web surfers’ online habits for marketing purposes, company executives said yesterday. The spyware-removal program is actually made by another company, Aluria Software, and will be bundled with the next version of AOL’s software. It will work automatically on the customer’s computer, scanning it once a week and identifying the adware and spyware packages it finds, AOL said. According to a story in todays Hacker Lamo Says Hell Accept Plea BargainThe New York Times‘ network and running up the bill on a subscriber-only news-archiving service, surrendered to the FBI in September and is out on bail. According to a CNET News story, he will appear in court Thursday to accept a plea bargain. In a telephone interview Monday, Lamo said the plea bargain could include a sentence of six months of home detention. Adrian Lamo, who is facing a pair of federal felony charges for allegedly breaking into Related content feature Top cybersecurity M&A deals for 2023 Fears of recession, rising interest rates, mass tech layoffs, and conservative spending trends are likely to make dealmakers cautious, but an ever-increasing need to defend against bigger and faster attacks will likely keep M&A activity steady in By CSO Staff Sep 22, 2023 24 mins Mergers and Acquisitions Mergers and Acquisitions Mergers and Acquisitions brandpost Unmasking ransomware threat clusters: Why it matters to defenders Similar patterns of behavior among ransomware treat groups can help security teams better understand and prepare for attacks By Joan Goodchild Sep 21, 2023 3 mins Cybercrime news analysis China’s offensive cyber operations support “soft power” agenda in Africa Researchers track Chinese cyber espionage intrusions targeting African industrial sectors. By Michael Hill Sep 21, 2023 5 mins Advanced Persistent Threats Cyberattacks Critical Infrastructure brandpost Proactive OT security requires visibility + prevention You cannot protect your operation by simply watching and waiting. It is essential to have a defense-in-depth approach. By Austen Byers Sep 21, 2023 4 mins Security Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe