Last Tuesday, loads of Linux users—many running packages released as early as this year—started reporting their devices were failing to boot. Instead, they received a cryptic error message that included the phrase: “Something has gone seriously wrong.”

The cause: an update Microsoft issued as part of its monthly patch release. It was intended to close a 2-year-old vulnerability in GRUB, an open source boot loader used to start up many Linux devices. The vulnerability, with a severity rating of 8.6 out of 10, made it possible for hackers to bypass secure boot, the industry standard for ensuring that devices running Windows or other operating systems don’t load malicious firmware or software during the bootup process. CVE-2022-2601 was discovered in 2022, but for unclear reasons, Microsoft patched it only last Tuesday.

The reports indicate that multiple distributions, including Debian, Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Zorin OS, Puppy Linux, are all affected. Microsoft has yet to acknowledge the error publicly, explain how it wasn’t detected during testing, or provide technical guidance to those affected. Company representatives didn’t respond to an email seeking answers.

  • Wispy2891@lemmy.world
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    4 months ago

    If it’s a Linux problem why Microsoft has to patch it?

    It’s like if someone gives you a ride to the hospital and the doctor treats him instead of you

    • endofline@lemmy.ca
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      4 months ago

      Because people cannot block darn windows updates. Its a real malware only allowed by law

      • Possibly linux@lemmy.zip
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        4 months ago

        Microsoft: you can have security updates

        Users: good

        Microsoft: just keep in mind they will make major changes and will totally change the desktop and settings.

        Users: wait what Microsoft Edge opens