In this episode of IT SPARC Cast, John and Lou tackle Apple’s latest security vulnerabilities, explore Proxmox and OpenNebula as alternatives to VMware, and analyze Pat Gelsinger’s departure as Intel’s CEO. They also discuss shifting trends in IT infrastructure and the future of virtualization. Stay informed with insights and actionable advice for IT leaders.

Show Notes

News Bytes:

WordPress Anti-Spam Plugin Vulnerability:

•A critical flaw in the CleanTalk anti-spam plugin affects 200,000 sites, scoring a 9.8/10 in severity. Attackers can upload malicious plugins via DNS poisoning. Update to version 6.4.4 or above to mitigate this issue.

•https://it.slashdot.org/story/24/11/30/1830222/wordpress-anti-spam-plugin-vulnerability-exposes-200000-sites-to-rce-attacks

•https://www.searchenginejournal.com/wordpress-anti-spam-plugin-vulnerability-hits-200k-sites/533844/

VMware Alternatives on the Rise:

•Proxmox and OpenNebula make migrating from VMware easier, offering tools to reduce costs and enhance efficiency.

•Beeks Group, a UK-based virtualization provider, saw a 1,000% VMware licensing cost increase and switched to OpenNebula, achieving a 200% VM efficiency boost.

•https://nolabnoparty.com/en/proxmox-import-vmware-vms/?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ReviveOldPost

•https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2024/12/company-claims-1000-percent-price-hike-drove-it-from-vmware-to-open-source-rival/

Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger Resigns:

•After less than four years, Gelsinger steps down amid concerns over Intel’s turnaround strategy. Co-CEOs David Zinsner and Michelle Johnson Holthous take over as the board searches for a permanent replacement.

•https://www.reuters.com/technology/intel-names-two-chip-industry-veterans-its-board-amid-ceo-search-2024-12-05/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

•https://www.barrons.com/articles/intel-stock-next-ceo-5388beef?utm_source=chatgpt.com

•https://www.ft.com/content/1da33c80-6328-49a7-be8a-e7e1221c43c0?utm_source=chatgpt.com

•https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/cpus/intel-ceo-pat-gelsinger-retires-effective-immediately-also-steps-down-from-bod-two-co-ceos-step-in 

CVE of the Week:

Apple Cross-Site Scripting Vulnerability (CVE-2024-4308):

•Found in macOS, iOS, and other Apple products, this vulnerability exploits malicious web content to execute unauthorized code. Apple has issued a patch—update immediately to secure your devices.

•Tight integration between Apple systems means vulnerabilities can cascade across multiple services, emphasizing the importance of prompt updates.

•https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2024-44308

•https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2024-44309

Wrap Up:

John and Lou invite listener feedback on Pat Gelsinger’s exit, VMware alternatives, and other hot IT topics.

Share thoughts at [email protected] or on X @ITSPARCCast.

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