Linux exploit - should we be worried?

If i understand this correctly, it doesn't concern Linux distros right?
https://www.engadget.com/2016/10/24/linux-exploit-gives-any-user-full-access-in-five-seconds/

Besides the Linux flaw, i find it odd that something that is a few years old makes it to the limelight only now.
From what i've learned of Linux, as soon as a flaw pops up, devs are hard at work to repair.

security is a good thing to study. Ubuntu based OS's however generally come with pretty fair firewall. dont disable it if you dont have to.