New TONTOU CPU attack bypasses Spectre v2 fixes, leaks Linux password hashes
Source: BleepingComputer· Ionut Ilascu· August 6, 2026
SynaBot summary
A new CPU vulnerability, dubbed TONTOU, has been discovered that can bypass existing Spectre v2 protections. This exploit allows attackers to potentially steal sensitive data, including Linux password hashes, from affected systems.
Key takeaways
- New TONTOU attack bypasses Spectre v2 mitigations.
- Exploit can steal Linux password hashes.
- Speculative execution vulnerabilities remain a threat.
- Users should monitor system security updates.
Why it matters
This discovery highlights ongoing risks with speculative execution vulnerabilities, even after patches. Users of AI tools, especially those handling sensitive data on Linux systems, should be aware of potential new attack vectors impacting system security.
This story was reported by BleepingComputer. Read the full original article:
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