Linux Kernel Update: Maximum Severity RCE Threat for SMB Servers

Most businesses running SMB servers are believed to be shielded but one expert likened potential exploits to Heartbleed.

Linux has issued an update to address a kernel-level security vulnerability that affected server message block (SMB) servers.

The remote code execution (RCE) flaw allowed unauthenticated users to execute kernel-level code and received the maximum possible severity rating on the common vulnerability reporting system (CVSS).

Most businesses and enterprise users are believed to be safe from any potential exploitation given that the vulnerability only affected the lesser-used KSMBD module rather than the more popular Samba suite.