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USN-8729-1: Linux kernel vulnerabilities

Ubuntu issued USN-8729-1 fixing Linux kernel vulnerabilities across ARM, Bluetooth, GPU, SCSI, SMB, and Azure MANA subsystems.

Ubuntu released USN-8729-1 addressing several security issues discovered in the Linux kernel that could allow an attacker to compromise the system. Fixes span ARM32/ARM64/PowerPC architectures, Bluetooth, GPU, InfiniBand, and network drivers, plus the Microsoft Azure Network Adapter (MANA) driver. The update also corrects flaws in the SCSI and SPI subsystems, SMB and NTFS3 file systems, EFI core, and file systems infrastructure.

Ubuntu Security Notices · 9d agoAdvisory 6 sources

USN-8761-1: Linux kernel (Azure) vulnerabilities

Ubuntu patches multiple Linux kernel (Azure) flaws across ARM64, Bluetooth, Netfilter, NTFS3, SMB and other subsystems.

Ubuntu security notice USN-8761-1 corrects several security issues in the Linux kernel for Azure, spanning ARM32, ARM64, and PowerPC architectures plus subsystems including Bluetooth, Netfilter, EFI core, GPU drivers, InfiniBand, SCSI, NTFS3, and SMB. An attacker could possibly use these flaws to compromise the system.

Ubuntu Security Notices · 1d agoAdvisory 2 sources

Cyclops Blink Evolves Into x86-64 Linux Implant With Packet Sniffing and Internal Network Scanning

Sophos uncovers a new x86-64 Cyclops Blink Linux implant with packet sniffing and internal network scanning on compromised Cisco FMC appliances.

Sophos identified a 64-bit Linux Cyclops Blink implant in August on compromised Cisco Firewall Management Center devices, persisting via SysV init scripts and masquerading as the process 'kworker01'. The modular malware runs five child processes for reconnaissance, file transfer, scanning, packet capture, and persistence, and beacons hourly over outbound TLS to hardcoded C2 89.34.96.56 on ports 43856 and 49172. The family was previously tied to Russian-linked Sandworm activity on WatchGuard appliances, though Sophos treats 2026 attribution cautiously. The packet-capture module applies configurable filters to retain credentials, cookies, and authentication tokens from raw Ethernet traffic.

Cyber Security News · 2d agoMalware in the wild

UAT-10147 deploys SPECTRE: A cross-platform implant with Linux rootkit and BYOVD capabilities

Cisco Talos identifies UAT-10147 deploying the SPECTRE implant with cross-platform C2, credential theft, and kernel-level EDR bypass.

Cisco Talos reports that the tracked threat actor UAT-10147 is deploying a newly identified implant named SPECTRE. SPECTRE supports cross-platform command-and-control, process injection, credential theft, and anti-analysis protections. It also includes a Linux rootkit and BYOVD (bring your own vulnerable driver) capability enabling kernel-level EDR bypass, marking an evolution in commodity intrusion tooling.

Cisco Talos · 27d agoThreat actor in the wild

Stealth rootkit targeting F5 BIG-IP could expose enterprise identity gateways

Sophos analyzed a stealth Linux rootkit that hides a web shell in memory on compromised F5 BIG-IP APM identity gateways, evading file-based detection.

Sophos analyzed a second-stage Linux rootkit implant found in compromised F5 BIG-IP APM environments running Apache and PHP, linked to exploitation of CVE-2025-53521, an unauthenticated RCE. The implant hooks Apache's PHP-loading process and serves modified in-memory versions of three legitimate webtop PHP files (apm_css.php3, full_wt.php3, webtop_popup_css.php3), leaving on-disk files untouched so hashes and integrity checks pass. It also establishes access via an authenticated local UNIX socket that can provide an interactive /bin/bash session. Experts warn compromised APM appliances, which handle federated SSO and terminate TLS at enterprise perimeters, could enable SSO token theft and lateral movement to trusted downstream applications.

CSO Online · 6d agoMalware in the wildCVE-2025-53521

Hackers deploy Linux rootkit on F5 BIG-IP APM devices, hiding web shell in memory

Sophos analyzed a Linux rootkit, tracked as PoisonedRefresh, on hacked F5 BIG-IP APM devices hiding an in-memory web shell linked to exploited CVE-2025-53521.

Sophos and ESET analyzed an implant (named PoisonedRefresh by ESET) deployed on compromised F5 BIG-IP APM appliances, which serves enterprise, financial, government, and public sector deployments. The second-stage payload intercepts __libc_start_main, hooks Apache's APR module loader (apr_dso_load), RC4-encodes key strings, and rewrites PHP file reads in memory to embed a web shell inside legitimate scripts like apm_css.php3, full_wt.php3, and webtop_popup_css.php3, leaving on-disk files unchanged. A related installer component infects /usr/sbin/httpd, persists across BIG-IP upgrade images, modifies SELinux configuration, and deploys the payload. The malware also creates a Unix domain socket at /run/bigtlog.pipe that hands authenticated local connections to /bin/bash; F5 links the activity to CVE-2025-53521, an unauthenticated RCE in BIG-IP APM already exploited in the wild.

Help Net Security · 7d agoMalware in the wildCVE-2025-535211

Hackers breach F5 BIG-IP APM devices to deploy Linux rootkit

Sophos analyzed a Linux rootkit on F5 BIG-IP APM devices that injects a fileless PHP web shell, likely after CVE-2025-53521 exploitation.

Sophos analyzed a Linux rootkit targeting F5 BIG-IP APM environments, also tracked by ESET as PoisonedRefresh, which hijacks Apache's apr_dso_load module loader to inject a fileless PHP web shell into memory. The implant intercepts __libc_start_main, hides strings with RC4, creates a password-protected local UNIX socket backdoor for interactive Bash access, and persists across BIG-IP upgrade images while modifying SELinux configuration. It is likely a second-stage payload following exploitation of CVE-2025-53521, a critical RCE flaw F5 reclassified from a DoS issue in March. The ShadowServer Foundation tracked 795 F5 BIG-IP APM endpoints exposed online.

BleepingComputer · 8d agoMalware in the wildCVE-2025-53521

ZDI-26-685: Linux Kernel NFC NCI UART Driver Race Condition Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

ZDI discloses a race condition in the Linux kernel NFC NCI UART driver (CVE-2025-38416, CVSS 8.8) allowing local low-privileged attackers to escalate privileges.

ZDI advisory ZDI-26-685 covers a race condition vulnerability in the Linux kernel's NFC NCI UART driver, tracked as CVE-2025-38416 with a CVSS score of 8.8. A local attacker with the ability to execute low-privileged code can exploit the race to escalate privileges on affected systems. Exposure is limited to systems where the NFC NCI UART driver is present, and no exploitation is reported.

Sandworm-Linked Cyclops Blink Returns With Network Scanning and Packet-Sniffing Capabilities

Sophos uncovers a 64-bit Cyclops Blink variant on hacked Cisco FMC appliances, adding internal network scanning and selective packet capture; linked to Sandworm.

Sophos CTU analyzed a new 64-bit x86-64 Cyclops Blink implant (timezone_check) deployed on Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center appliances compromised via CVE-2026-20079 authentication bypass and CVE-2026-20316 low-privileged login. The activity is assessed with high confidence as Russian-nexus, with a moderate-confidence link to Sandworm (IRON VIKING, also tracked as Seashell Blizzard). The implant runs a parent controller plus five worker modules, masquerades as [kworker/0:1], persists via SysV init scripts at /lib/tz/timezone_check, and beacons to hard-coded C2 89.34.96.56 over a custom TLS protocol on ports 43856 and 49172. New module 0x11 scans internal IPv4 networks for SSH, SMB, LDAP, VMware, HTTP/HTTPS and VPN services, while module 0x12 performs filtered packet capture that can expose cleartext credentials, cookies and tokens.

GBHackers · 2d agoMalware in the wild 10 sourcesCVE-2026-20079CVE-2026-20316

USN-8760-1: Linux kernel (NVIDIA) vulnerabilities

Canonical issues USN-8760-1 patching multiple Linux kernel (NVIDIA) vulnerabilities across numerous subsystems and CPU architectures.

Canonical published USN-8760-1 to correct several Linux kernel (NVIDIA) vulnerabilities that an attacker could possibly use to compromise the system. The update fixes flaws spanning UAPI, the kernel build system, ARM32, ARM64, RISC-V, S390, and x86 architectures. Patched subsystems also include the block layer, cryptographic API, Compute Acceleration Framework, Intel NPU driver, ACPI and Bluetooth drivers, and the hardware random number generator core.

Ubuntu Security Notices · 1d agoAdvisory

Citrix UniconOS dual boot turns Windows endpoints into their own recovery device

Citrix released UniconOS dual boot in Release 7 2607, turning Windows endpoints into self-recovery devices after ransomware, failed updates or OS corruption.

Citrix announced dual boot in UniconOS Release 7 2607, which installs an isolated, hardened recovery environment alongside Windows in a separate partition protected by secure boot. If Windows is unavailable, users reboot into UniconOS and reconnect to applications via Citrix DaaS and SecurAccess with Chrome Enterprise. The capability is aimed at reducing reliance on spare hardware and central reimaging during ransomware or update failures, with automatic enrollment in UniconOS Management for fleet-wide boot policies.

Help Net Security · 22d agoTools

TPMSpy: Validation of Measured Boot Systems by Low-Level Tracing of TPM Usage

Researchers present TPMSpy, a platform-agnostic method validating TPM Measured Boot via low-level tracing, finding inconsistent Linux systemd measurements that break remote attestation and LUKS decryption.

An arXiv paper (2609.05011) introduces TPMSpy, a method that analyzes virtualized system–TPM interactions to independently reconstruct and validate TPM Event Logs without relying on the quoting mechanism, applicable to open and closed systems and demonstrated on Linux and Windows. A longitudinal analysis of Linux systems running systemd versions 245–258 (2020–2025) found wide divergence in Measured Boot usage, undocumented behavioral changes, and no common usage pattern. The authors report inconsistent measurement of user-space systemd services, which prevents reliable remote attestation and LUKS disk decryption on affected systems.

arXiv cs.CR · 12d agoResearch

ZDI-26-608: Linux Kernel KVM IOAPIC Use-After-Free Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

The Linux kernel KVM IOAPIC has a use-after-free (CVSS 8.2) allowing local privilege escalation, but exploitation requires high-privileged code execution first.

ZDI-26-608 describes a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's KVM IOAPIC component, with a CVSS score of 8.2. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute high-privileged code on the target system, which limits the practical impact of the privilege escalation. The advisory text does not list an assigned CVE identifier.

ZDI Published Advisories · 23d agoVulnerability

ZDI-26-680: Linux Kernel Crypto Subsystem Use-After-Free Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

ZDI discloses a Linux kernel crypto subsystem use-after-free (CVE-2026-31719, CVSS 8.8) letting local low-privileged attackers escalate to root.

ZDI advisory ZDI-26-680 covers a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel crypto subsystem, tracked as CVE-2026-31719 with a CVSS score of 8.8. A local attacker who can already execute low-privileged code can exploit it to escalate privileges on affected installations. The advisory does not report any exploitation in the wild.

Linux Foundation takes on TRACE, a hardware-backed runtime evidence specification for AI agents

The Linux Foundation adopts TRACE, an OPAQUE-contributed spec giving AI agents hardware-attested, cryptographically verifiable runtime and compliance evidence.

The Linux Foundation accepted the TRACE (Trust, Runtime Attestation and Compliance Evidence) specification contributed by OPAQUE, developed with AMD, Intel, Microsoft, and the Technology Innovation Institute. TRACE binds runtime environment, software, policies, data classifications, and tool usage into a portable, cryptographically verifiable artifact, composing existing standards such as RATS, EAT, SLSA, SCITT, SPIFFE, and EAR. It recorded nearly 135,000 PyPI downloads within 10 weeks of its June 2026 introduction, and its technical workstream will be hosted by the Coalition for Secure AI.

Help Net Security · 21d agoAI tools & infra

New Mirai-Based Linux Botnet ‘Evooo1Bot’ Turns Victims Into Proxies

A newly observed Mirai-based Linux botnet dubbed Evooo1Bot compromises edge devices and turns them into persistent proxies for threat actors.

Evooo1Bot is a newly identified Linux botnet built on the Mirai framework but enhanced with additional advanced capabilities. The malware compromises edge devices and converts them into persistent proxies, likely for relay or resale use. The botnet's evolution beyond stock Mirai highlights continued targeting of poorly secured IoT and edge systems.

Infosecurity Magazine · Aug 14, 2026Malware in the wild

ZDI-26-691: Linux Kernel Netlink-based Wireless Configuration Integer Overflow Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

ZDI-26-691: integer overflow in Linux kernel netlink wireless configuration (CVE-2026-53182) allows local privilege escalation by attackers already running high-privileged code; CVSS 8.2.

ZDI advisory ZDI-26-691 discloses an integer overflow in the Linux kernel's netlink-based wireless configuration that allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations. Exploitation requires the attacker to first obtain the ability to execute high-privileged code on the target system. ZDI assigned a CVSS rating of 8.2 and CVE-2026-53182.

Re: Linux kernel LPEs: ZcopyReaper (CVE-2026-43502) and 20 more

oss-security thread discusses newly disclosed Linux kernel local privilege escalations, including ZcopyReaper (CVE-2026-43502) and about 20 more flaws.

An oss-security mailing list thread discusses newly disclosed Linux kernel local privilege escalation (LPE) issues, headlined by ZcopyReaper (CVE-2026-43502) along with roughly 20 more. Discussants ask whether the many reports could be summarized and note that locking kernel module loading after boot has repeatedly proven an effective mitigation. The visible discussion does not state whether any of the flaws are exploited in the wild or give specific patch guidance beyond the individual reports.

oss-security · 8d agoVulnerabilityCVE-2026-43502

ZDI-26-683: Linux Kernel IPv6 VTI Subsystem Use-After-Free Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

ZDI discloses CVE-2026-72463, a CVSS 7.5 use-after-free in the Linux Kernel IPv6 VTI subsystem enabling privilege escalation.

ZDI-26-683 covers a use-after-free in the Linux Kernel IPv6 VTI subsystem that allows local attackers to escalate privileges. Exploitation requires first obtaining the ability to execute high-privileged code on the target system, limiting practical impact. ZDI assigned a CVSS rating of 7.5 and CVE-2026-72463.

ZDI-26-572: Linux Kernel XFRM Race Condition Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

ZDI publishes ZDI-26-572, a CVSS 7.5 race condition local privilege escalation in the Linux kernel's XFRM subsystem.

The Zero Day Initiative disclosed a race condition in the Linux kernel's XFRM (transform) subsystem allowing local attackers to escalate privileges. Exploitation requires the attacker to first run high-privileged code on the affected system. The advisory carries a CVSS rating of 7.5; no CVE id is listed in the disclosure text.

ZDI Published Advisories · Aug 13, 2026Advisory

ZDI-26-681: Linux Kernel FUSE Subsystem Race Condition Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

ZDI discloses CVE-2026-64265, a CVSS 7.8 race condition in the Linux Kernel FUSE subsystem enabling local privilege escalation.

ZDI-26-681 covers a race condition in the Linux Kernel FUSE subsystem that allows local attackers to escalate privileges. Exploitation requires the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system. ZDI assigned a CVSS rating of 7.8 and CVE-2026-64265.

Backdoor Xz Utils Linux Open Source

Infosecurity Magazine covers the XZ Utils open-source backdoor, a malicious implant in liblzma that targeted OpenSSH on major Linux distributions.

The article covers the XZ Utils backdoor, a malicious implant introduced into the widely used open-source compression library. The compromised liblzma code manipulated functions used by OpenSSH, nearly reaching stable releases of major Linux distributions before discovery. The incident is a prominent example of software supply chain compromise targeting critical open-source infrastructure.

Infosecurity Magazine · Aug 17, 2026VulnerabilityCVE-2024-3094

VU#718077: UEFI Shell module embedded in SPI Flash can be used to bypass Secure Boot

CERT/CC details VU#718077: UEFI Shell embedded in SPI flash lets attackers bypass Secure Boot and execute pre-boot code; patches issued.

CERT/CC's VU#718077, reported by Eclypsium researcher Stas Lyakhov, describes how a UEFI Shell embedded in SPI flash can be abused by attackers who can modify UEFI boot configuration, creating multiple boot entries that bypass controls preventing the Shell from launching under Secure Boot. The Shell's dmem and mm commands allow arbitrary physical memory read/write, letting attackers overwrite Secure Boot values and execute unauthorized pre-boot code that can persist across reboots and OS reinstalls while degrading EDR effectiveness. AMI confirmed its Aptio UEFI BDS module is affected (CVE-2026-33197), and Cisco published an advisory for a variation affecting UCS Servers and UCS-based appliances (CVE-2026-20293). Firmware patches are being rolled out through OEM and IBV BIOS build pipelines.

USN-8748-1: Linux kernel (NVIDIA) vulnerabilities

Ubuntu released USN-8748-1 patching multiple Linux kernel (NVIDIA) vulnerabilities across networking, file system, and crypto subsystems.

Ubuntu issued security notice USN-8748-1 fixing several Linux kernel vulnerabilities affecting the NVIDIA Tegra memory controller driver, hardware crypto device drivers, and network drivers, among others. Affected subsystems include GFS2, OCFS2, and SMB file systems, B.A.T.M.A.N. meshing, Ceph, Netfilter, Open vSwitch, IPv4/IPv6, RxRPC, SCTP, and TIPC. An attacker could potentially exploit these flaws to compromise the system.