Latest cybersecurity reporting from selected sources.

Researchers Trace Linux and Windows Toolsets to Suspected PRC Espionage ActivityNewly discovered malware tied to China-linked actors breached telecom providers across Asia and the Middle East, highlighting growing efforts to gain persistent access into interconnected communications infrastructure.

No Patches Yet Available, After Third Party Published Vulnerability DetailsSecurity researchers have discovered a new, critical flaw in the Linux kernel that attackers can exploit to gain root access. No patches are yet available to fix "Dirty Frag," the second new local privilege escalation flaw to be found in two weeks, following the similar "Copy Fail" vulnerability.

Check Point Identifies VoidLink Framework First 'Advanced' AI-Generated ThreatA single developer built a Linux malware framework in less than a week using artificial intelligence, said security researchers. Check Point researchers say this is a case of AI-generated malware reaching operational maturity at a pace that challenges assumptions about development timelines.

Race-Condition Bugs in Ubuntu and Red Hat Tools Could Leak Sensitive Memory DataHackers could exploit a tool that stores crashed system data in older Linux operating systems to obtain passwords and encryption keys, warn researchers. The flaw lies in the way certain Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Red Hat, and Fedora, handle application crashes.

Vulnerability Researchers: Start Tracking LLM Capabilities, Says Veteran Bug HunterLarge language models have taken a big step forward in their ability to help chase down code flaws, said a vulnerability researcher who successfully trained OpenAI's o3 to review Linux kernel code, leading to the LLM - in an apparent first - discovering a new zero-day vulnerability in the code.

Stealthy Malware Installs Cryptomining SoftwareA botnet targeting Internet of Things devices works by brute forcing credentials and downloading cryptomining software. Researchers call the botnet "PumaBot," since its malware checks for the string "Pumatronix," the name of a Brazilian manufacturer of surveillance and traffic camera systems.

Attackers Can Employ a Vulnerable Driver to Target Most Windows and Linux SystemsResearchers are warning Microsoft Windows as well as many Linux distribution users to install updates that revoke permissions for a vulnerable driver that attackers can use to target most systems, allowing them to bypass UEFI Secure Boot and install a bootkit to take full control of a system.

Linux-Targeting Bootkitty Appears More Proof-of-Concept Than Threat, Researchers SayCybersecurity researchers have discovered the first-ever UEFI bootkit designed to target Linux systems and subvert their boot process for malicious purposes. The "Bootkitty" malware, first uploaded to VirusTotal this month, appears to be more "proof of concept" than full-fledged threat, they said.

Linux-Targeting Bootkitty Appears More Proof-of-Concept Than Threat, Researchers SayCybersecurity researchers have discovered the first-ever UEFI bootkit designed to target Linux systems and subvert their boot process for malicious purposes. The "Bootkitty" malware, first uploaded to VirusTotal this month, appears to be more "proof of concept" than full-fledged threat, they said.

Linux-Targeting Bootkitty Appears More Proof-of-Concept Than Threat, Researcher SayCybersecurity researchers have discovered the first-ever bootkit designed to target Linux systems and subvert their boot process for malicious purposes. The "Bootkitty" malware, first uploaded to VirusTotal this month, appears to be more "proof of concept" than full-fledged threat, they said.

Chinese Hackers Have Used DinodasRATHackers are using a new version of a backdoor to target Linux servers and gain and maintain access in what appears to be an espionage campaign, warn researchers from Kaspersky. The hallmark of DinodasRAT's strategy is its sophisticated victim identification and persistence mechanisms.

Also: A Widespread Linux Bootloader VulnerabilityThis week, the U.S. banned AI robocalls, researchers discovered a Linux bootloader flaw, France investigated health sector hackings, the feds offered money for Hive information, Verizon disclosed an insider breach, Germany opened a cybersecurity center, and cyberattack victims reported high costs.

RAT Is Tailored to Exploit Vulnerabilities in Linux Kernel VersionsHackers targeted telecommunications companies in Thailand with a Linux remote access Trojan designed to attack different versions of the open-source kernel, researchers say. Dubbed "Krasue," the malware poses a "severe risk to critical systems and sensitive data," says Group-IB researchers.

Kinsing Threat Actor Observed Targeting Vulnerable Cloud Environments With New FlawThe Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is requiring federal agencies to patch Linux devices on their networks and urging private sector organizations to do the same after security researchers observed threat actors exploiting a new vulnerability on many major Linux distributions.