Design error in Hyper-Threading causes vulnerability in FreeBSD

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Secunia issued an alert about a security threat in FreeBSD that is caused by an apparent design error in Intel's Hyper-Threading technology. According to the company, malicious users are able to use one thread to monitor the execution of another thread and access potentially sensitive information in the shared memory caches that can include for example cryptographic keys used by OpenSSH or SSL-enabled applications.

Processors without Hyper-Threading or other operating systems other than FreeBSD are not affected by the exploit.

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Wolfgang Gruener
Wolfgang Gruener
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Wolfgang Gruener is an experienced professional in digital strategy and content, specializing in web strategy, content architecture, user experience, and applying AI in content operations within the insurtech industry. His previous roles include Director, Digital Strategy and Content Experience at American Eagle, Managing Editor at TG Daily, and contributing to publications like Tom's Guide and Tom's Hardware.