Shellshock, aka bash bug, could be a bigger security flaw bug than heartbleed
Computer security experts are busy finding solutions to remedy the shellshock bug, a security flaw embedded in a commonly used program called Bash.
The Bash programme is installed on many computers and web servers running the Mac operating system or Linux, as both systems originate from an old operating system named UNIX.
Users of computers and other devices operating on Microsoft systems are spared the fear of the latest security scare because Microsoft programmes do not use Bash, acronym for Bourne-Again SHell.
Many computer programmes rely on Bash to invoke other computer programmes. For example, when surfing the Internet, the browser is communicating with a web server that in turn likely uses Bash in order to find and generate content from its local file structures.
Bash has also proved popular among programmers. The text-based programme offers different commands in order to find and change files on local or remote hard drives, and allows IT professionals to administer computers and servers from a distant locations.
A computer is at risk if the codes are executed after a malicious string. Hackers can exploit the flaw in different ways, such as obtaining private documents and running spyware on other computers.
Security professionals are worried that hackers will exploit shellshock and create worms that can easily penetrate firewalls.
