News brief: Security flaws put thousands of systems at risk

The number of reported vulnerabilities reached an all-time high in 2025, according to the National Vulnerability Database, with more than 48,000 new CVEs.

The good news is that, according to experts, the increase likely reflects more thorough reporting, not just an increase in cyber-risk. Still, the array of vulnerabilities with which defenders must contend -- and that attackers can exploit -- is undeniably vast and growing.

Case in point: This week's featured articles highlight three new critical flaws, including a serious AI-driven vulnerability, plus information about an emerging threat to Linux environments.