Intel

Spectre Variant Returns: Branch Target Reuse Attack Extracts Root Password Hash from Linux Memory

Researchers from VUSec and Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna have disclosed Branch Target Reuse, a new Spectre v2 variant that exploits stale branch predictor entries in modern CPUs. The attack targets JIT compilers that generate and reuse executable code at runtime, allowing speculative execution of instructions from previously freed memory regions. On Intel systems with existing mitigations enabled, the researchers demonstrated extraction of the root password hash from the Linux kernel in minutes. Practical proof-of-concept exploits were developed against the Linux kernel, while PoCs were also prepared for Firefox and tested on GraalVM. The issue affects Intel, AMD, and Arm processors, although exploitation success depends on the specific JIT environment and predictor state. Defenses have already been merged into the Linux kernel and GraalVM, while Mozilla continues work on site isolation. The findings highlight that Spectre-class issues remain relevant as long as processors rely on aggressive speculative execution.

Microsoft Pauses Windows Security Update KB5101650 After It Triggers Shutdowns and Overheating on Dell Laptops with Intel Processors

A mandatory July security update intended to patch 570 vulnerabilities in Windows instead caused spontaneous shutdowns, performance drops, overheating, and rapid battery drain on certain Dell laptops equipped with Intel processors. The root cause was traced to incompatibility between the new Windows USB-C Connection Manager interface and Intel’s Innovation Platform Framework Processor Participant driver, which manages CPU power consumption and thermal control. Microsoft had already observed early signs of the conflict in June with the optional update KB5095093, but the problematic driver changes were carried forward into the mandatory Patch Tuesday release. Because the exact list of affected Dell models was not disclosed, the full scope of the issue remains difficult to assess, though the company acted quickly to block rollout on incompatible hardware. No widespread hardware damage has been reported, and Microsoft is working with Intel and Dell to deliver a fix in the coming days while continuing to recommend the update for unaffected systems.

Intel Unveils Starfire Chip Designed for AI Processing on US Military Satellites in Orbit

Intel has announced the Starfire system-on-chip, a radiation-tolerant processor developed specifically for orbital deployment aboard US government satellites. The chip integrates eight CPU cores, a three-die neural accelerator, and a graphics block using Foveros packaging, delivering up to 75 TOPS at 35 W. It combines Intel’s advanced 18A process for the CPU and AI blocks with the older Intel 3 node for the GPU, relying on architectural hardening rather than process maturity to withstand space radiation. Unlike legacy rad-hard processors such as BAE Systems’ RAD750, Starfire targets on-board AI inference and data processing instead of basic telemetry and control. The device remains a demonstration platform whose radiation performance is still under evaluation, with first test samples scheduled for the third quarter of 2026. Intel Government Technologies will handle distribution, and the project supports Pentagon programs RAMP-C and SHIP while Intel’s 18A yield roadmap extends into 2027.