A vulnerability called the DirtyCOW has been disclosed for all Linux systems. The vulnerability is especially problematic for multi-user systems, which allows local-user accounts to gain escalated privileges for the affected system.  

This vulnerability has been assigned CVE-2016-5195.  We recommend applying the latest patches to your Linux machine.  A bulletin has also been created for this: http://bulletins.it.ubc.ca/archives/28072

For more information on this vulnerability, please review the following links:

https://access.redhat.com/security/vulnerabilities/2706661

https://security-tracker.debian.org/tracker/CVE-2016-5195

https://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2016/10/21/linux-kernel-bug-dirtycow-easyroot-hole-and-what-you-need-to-know/