64-bit Linux kernel exploit in the wild, allows local user root escalation

If you're running a 64-bit Linux kernel, update it now.

There's a new local root exploit, and it seems like Ksplice has yet again managed to get their advertisement fix onto the front page of Slashdot. Normally such an arcane bug wouldn't be an issue, but the example exploit leaves an open backdoor even after the bug has been patched -- lovely.

It's an escalation exploit, so a user still needs to gain local user access to the system -- but still, you're encouraged to update any and all 64-bit Linux systems that you own, especially if they're public, shared servers.

Tags: 64-bit, backdoor, escalation, exploit, ksplice, linux, local root exploit, LocalRootExploit, redhat