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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
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Good. That was an overreaction and a little silly.
Ethical issues aside, the research does highlight valid problems. I'd like to see the maintainers or the Linux Foundation address those problems and at least begin a discussion on how they could make the system better in the future to strengthen the review process.
Plus at least this time it was just a university conducting an experiment. I'm sure there are more serious attempts at compromising kernel security by entities like the NSA.