Comment Re:Not as real a threat as on Microsoft Windows (Score 1) 252
There are common code segments across large parts of that ecosystem.
eg: what fraction are running any kernel between version 2.6.37 and 3.8.8? (http://arstechnica.com/security/2013/05/critical-linux-vulnerability-imperils-users-even-after-silent-fix/ ; top google link for 'may kernel exploit')
There are many different combinations of the same software options, with a few extra patches; I don't believe there are nearly 'thousands' of unique code bases, and even then there has to be very large exposed code segments common to many of them. (eg: What if a remote code exploitation flaw was discovered in Apache? )
Having said that, the variability in file paths, memory locations, patches, versions available, or even what windowing system libraries are would make any potential issue much more limited in scope compared to over 1/3 of all computers on the net affected by either a xp, or windows 7 flaw.
There are many different combinations of the same software options, with a few extra patches; I don't believe there are nearly 'thousands' of unique code bases, and even then there has to be very large exposed code segments common to many of them. (eg: What if a remote code exploitation flaw was discovered in Apache? )
Having said that, the variability in file paths, memory locations, patches, versions available, or even what windowing system libraries are would make any potential issue much more limited in scope compared to over 1/3 of all computers on the net affected by either a xp, or windows 7 flaw.