This reported Intel CPU bug is really bad news for everyone

A vulnerability found by security researchers in Intel processors manufactured over the last ten years is poised to wreak havoc on the world of computing. And the fix? Well, it might not be pretty.

According to The Register, who first wrote about the bug, the vulnerability allows for unauthorized programs to discern the "layout or contents of protected kernel memory areas."

What does that mean? Well, if you're running Windows, Linux, or macOS, something as simple as the JavaScript in your browser could theoretically gain access to the area of your computer that protects passwords.

Intel has yet to publicly comment on the report, but, if it turns out to be accurate, it would be a huge problem for the company (see below for update). Any computer with an Intel processor made over the last decade would probably need a patch.

The Register explains that a patch would likely result in anywhere between a 5 percent and a 30 percent decrease in processing speeds.

Which, if that's correct: Ouch.

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To make matters worse, this vulnerability is the definition of widespread. Bloomberg notes that approximately 90 percent of servers and laptops have Intel chips.

So, is there anything you can do about it? At the moment, there aren't many options other than to sit tight and wait for a patch — something the folks at Microsoft and Apple are all likely rushing to release. As The Register explains, "It has to be fixed in software at the OS level."

Of course, you could just remove the Intel sticker from your laptop like security researcher Martijn Grooten jokingly suggested. At least then you could pretend to feel smugly superior as everyone around you panics.

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But, seriously, you should update your computer as soon as a patch is released for your operating system. And, when it comes to your computer's speed, cross your fingers and hope that the remedy won't be worse than the disease.

UPDATE: Jan. 3, 2018, 12:28 p.m. PST Intel has finally released a statement about the reported vulnerability, and in it claims that this is not just a problem with its own processors.

"Recent reports that these exploits are caused by a 'bug' or a 'flaw' and are unique to Intel products are incorrect," reads the press release. "Based on the analysis to date, many types of computing devices — with many different vendors’ processors and operating systems — are susceptible to these exploits."

And while this is definitely bad, Intel did hit us with a little bit of good news — namely, that the fix shouldn't slow down computers too much.

"Contrary to some reports, any performance impacts are workload-dependent, and, for the average computer user, should not be significant and will be mitigated over time."

Phew.