A programming error in the handling of some Linux system calls may result in memory locations being accessed without proper validation. This bugs affect all 4.x and 5.x lines of FreeBSD. Source is the german computer site, Heise, for more info about this bug here.
Linux binary compatibility mode input validation error
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Eugenia Loli
Ex-programmer, ex-editor in chief at OSNews.com, now a visual artist/filmmaker.
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I’ve probably used it once a very long time ago. I don’t remember what for. It could have been for Netscape or maybe Acrobat reader. I have no clue anymore. It was probably like 5 years ago since I’ve used it.
Personally, I have no use for it. The only reason you would need Linux binary compatibility is for commercial software (i.e. Oracle, IBM DB2, Java, and others) or for non-commercial software that exist as Linux-only binaries (i.e. Half-Life server, Netscape, and others). If you need to run this type of software, then in the past the Linux binary compatibility has been pretty good. Some have claimed that FreeBSD can run Linux binaries faster that Linux, but I don’t know how truthfull those claims are. Who really gives a rats ass if it’s one second faster anyway?
I don’t know how bad this bug is, but I’m sure the FreeBSD team will hammer that issue out really quick. They’re pretty good about that type of stuff. I’m curious though, this doesn’t affect NetBSD or OpenBSD? Aren’t those Linux binary compatibility implementations based off of FreeBSD’s implementation? I was just wondering.
My personal opinion is that if it doesn’t exist for FreeBSD then I don’t need it. If I find that I really do need a certain peice of software that only runs on either Linux or Widnows and not on FreeBSD, then I’ll just choose to run the Windows version. But, that’s just me. I have no time to be messing around with a thounsand different Unix-like OS’s.
I’m sure by now you probably get the feeling that I don’t use Linux. If you do, then you’re right. I don’t. I just haven’t had a reason too. I’ve been tempted by Gentoo, but I guess I’m too lazy to go through with it. FreeBSD and OpenBSD works just fine for me. Maybe one day, I’ll get around to giving Linux another try when I’m given enough reason to.
The advisory includes a patch to close the hole.