Linux kernel developers infected with malware for 2 years, Exchange Server moving to subscription model, struggles with zfsbootmenu and IPv6, discussion on learning unfamiliar topics.
Linux kernel developers infected with malware for 2 years, highlighting security risks in open-source development.
Exchange Server transitioning to a subscription model, impacting federated email systems negatively.
Deep dives
Sophisticated Malware Infected Linux Maintainence Infrastructure
The Linux operating system kernel maintenance and distribution infrastructure was compromised by sophisticated malware, potentially starting around 2009 and remaining undetected for an extended period. The malware obtained access to developers' sensitive data, including the ETC shadow file containing hashed passwords, posing a significant security risk.
Inadequate Security Measures and Password Vulnerabilities
The compromised shadow file, although containing hashed passwords rather than encrypted ones, presented a critical security vulnerability. With tools like John the Ripper, hackers could use brute-force attacks to crack passwords easily, potentially allowing unauthorized access to kernel.org accounts with weak or commonly used passwords.
Limited Utilization of Compromised Access
Despite the severity of the breach, the perpetrators did not leverage the compromised access effectively, simply using the infected systems to send spam emails. This underutilization raised questions about the attackers' understanding of the value of their intrusion into such a critical infrastructure.
Persistent Malware Presence and Potential State Actor Involvement
Following the revelation of the breach in 2011, reports suggested the existence of persistent malware that could re-infect systems even after disk replacements, hinting at a sophisticated and ongoing threat. Speculations about potential state actor involvement arose, further complicating the security implications of the incident.
Linux kernel developers were infected with malware for 2 years, another nail in the coffin of proper federated email as Exchange Server moves to a subscription model, followup on zfsbootmenu and IPv6, and learning unfamiliar topics.
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