Just When Your Thought Security Was Getting Better..Think Again. Your Processor Is At Risk
Virtually all Intel processors produced in the last decade have a major security hole that could allow “normal user programs—from database applications to JavaScript in web browsers—to discern to some extent the layout or contents of protected kernel memory areas,” the Register reported on Tuesday.
This has a huge implications that every major OS manufacturer will need to address. Although the vulnerability is under wraps, for now, until system patches are released, you are at risk.
Essentially, modern Intel processors have a design flaw that could allow malicious programs to read protected areas of a device’s kernel memory (memory dedicated to the most essential core components of an operating system and their interactions with system hardware).
Things like your coveted passwords are risk because the flaw is rooted in x86-64 design and patches will be released in the coming weeks.
This flaw could potentially expose protected information like passwords. Since the error is baked into the Intel x86-64 hardware, it requires an OS-level overwrite to patch—on every major operating system, including Windows, Linux, and macOS.read more at gizmodo.com
thumbnail courtesy of gizmodo.com
More Intel Info From Around the Web
Intel doesn’t expect massive vulnerability to hit bottom line
Apple has already partially implemented fix in macOS for ‘KPTI’ Intel CPU security flaw
Every Intel processor since 1995 has a critical security flaw.
Good news:
– it's kinda sorta patchedBad news:
– the patch slows down your machine
– you can't avoid the patch https://t.co/GMFb34J7cQ— Internet of Shit (@internetofshit) January 3, 2018
Intel says processor bug isn’t unique to its chips and performance issues are ‘workload-dependent’ https://t.co/UDvljCQWI6 pic.twitter.com/PrtfW1c92K
— The Verge (@verge) January 3, 2018
AMD rebukes Intel, says flaw poses ‘near-zero risk’ to its chips
AMD expects to publish security research on the flaw later on Wednesday … we believe there is a near zero risk to AMD processors at this time. AMD rose slightly after AMD issued the statement. The stock had fallen after Intel issued its statement earlier.
