Linux Vulnerabilities Experience Staggering 967% Surge in Just One Year

The recent 2025 Software Vulnerability Ratings Report by Action1 has revealed a staggering rise in vulnerabilities discovered in Linux and macOS platforms during 2024. An analysis based on the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) highlighted that the total number of vulnerabilities reported jumped by 61% from the previous year, reaching 6,761. Most notably, Linux vulnerabilities surged by an unprecedented 967%, totaling 3,329, while macOS vulnerabilities increased by 95%, leading to a total of 508.

Traditionally, UNIX-based systems were viewed as safer alternatives, but the report indicated a troubling trend with a 96% rise in exploited vulnerabilities, climbing from 101 in 2023 to 198 in 2024. A significant contribution to this increase stems from web browsers and Microsoft Office, with Google Chrome seeing a staggering 1,840% jump in exploited vulnerabilities (from 5 to 97), and Microsoft Office experiencing a 433% increase to 32.

Key findings from the report include:

• A 37% increase in critical vulnerabilities, rising to 2,930 largely due to operating systems like Linux and databases such as MSSQL.
• A remarkable 213% year-on-year increase in newly discovered vulnerabilities in databases, with critical vulnerabilities jumping by 505%.
• A 657% rise in newly exploited CVEs in web browsers, alongside a 107% uptick in remote code execution (RCE) vulnerabilities.
• Despite a modest rise in RCE vulnerabilities overall, Linux saw an 85% drop, and macOS a 44% drop.

The report underscores the growing cybersecurity risks that organizations face. It emphasizes the need for robust patching processes, enhanced threat detection, vendor and supply chain risk assessments, and continuous improvement of security practices.

To counter these vulnerabilities, Action1 recommends organizations to:

• Prioritize timely patch deployment for critical systems and those vulnerable to RCE.
• Educate employees on risks associated with common applications.
• Ensure comprehensive vulnerability management across all software.
• Conduct thorough risk assessments when choosing third-party software.
• Deploy continuous threat detection tools for resilience.

For ongoing coverage and insights into cybersecurity vulnerabilities, refer to the full report on Action1’s findings.

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