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Torvalds Creates Patch for Cross-Platform Virus

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the just-here-to-make-things-work dept.

Newsforge is reporting that Linus Torvalds took a few minutes to review the cross-platform proof of concept virus covered yesterday and has proven that the virus does indeed not work with latest kernel version 2.6.16 and even released a patch in order to fix this "problem." From the article: "The reason that the virus is not propagating itself in the latest kernel versions is due to a bug in how GCC handles specific registers in a particular system call. [...] So the virus did a number of strange things to make this show up, but on the other hand the kernel does try to avoid touching user registers, even if we've never really _guaranteed_ that. So the 2.6.16 effect is a mis-feature, even if a _normal_ app would never care. It just happened to bite the infection logic of your virus thing."

11 of 195 comments (clear)

  1. Does this mean... by RealBothersome · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...that linux was patched so that the virus would now function as expected? I'd hate to think we left any program behind.

  2. So does this "bug" count by EraserMouseMan · · Score: 4, Funny

    as a patch or a bug or a buggy patch?

  3. Next week: by moochfish · · Score: 4, Funny

    Next week: "Torvalds Patches Kernel Against Cross-Platform Virus"

  4. The Microsoft equivalent? by Foofoobar · · Score: 5, Funny

    Ok... now lets see Bill Gates issue his own patch. The clocks ticking Bill. :)

    --
    This is my sig. There are many like it but this one is mine.
  5. This is EXACTLY why I run NetBSD by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    I don't want to get enfected with any of them Windows viruses, Mac Worms, or Linux Diseases.
    So I run NetBSD
    On a VAX

    I'm slow, but I'm not infected.
    (that's what I tell my girl also)

  6. My question... by tktk · · Score: 4, Funny

    I know it was a proof of concept but... does the virus perform better on Windows or Linux?

  7. Re:Only 16 comments?! by AnalystX · · Score: 5, Funny

    Some of the "fanboys" are applying the new patch, and the rest are looking at the contents of your hard drive right now.

  8. Gee. by ultramk · · Score: 4, Funny

    Newsforge is reporting that Linus Torvalds took a few minutes to review the cross-platform proof of concept virus covered yesterday and has proven that the virus does indeed not work with latest kernel version 2.6.16 and even released a patch in order to fix this "problem."

    Oh, um... Well, hmmm.

    Thanks, Linus. I guess.

    m-

    --
    You catch enchiladas by picking them up behind the head and holding them underwater until they don't kick anymore -VeGas
  9. Goal :)? by suv4x4 · · Score: 4, Funny

    Today, we fix Linux to support a cross-platform virus, tommorow: support for Windows viruses.

  10. My answer by EmbeddedJanitor · · Score: 5, Funny

    Performance is only a small part of the issue. You have to look at the TCO of running viruses to appreciate Windows properly. With Linux it is far harder to run a virus and you've got to train all your users to chmod etc. With Windows it's much eaiser, just double click or drag and drop. Now that saves you a bundle in IT tech support when people ask "how do I install virus X on my PC. Further, with Windows you get a lot more choice. You can get a wide selection of popular viruses from easy to download sources. Linux is pretty short on choice, so if you switch to Linux you're limiting choice which is UnAmerican.

    --
    Engineering is the art of compromise.
  11. Re:Fix it? by FhnuZoag · · Score: 5, Funny

    Well, one more step towards making Linux ready for the desktop.