Addressing Linux Kernel AWS Vulnerabilities
Canonical has released essential security updates for Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and Ubuntu 20.04 LTS to address multiple vulnerabilities in the Linux kernel for Amazon Web Services (AWS) systems. These vulnerabilities, if exploited, could lead to denial of service or potentially expose sensitive information. Users and organizations are strongly encouraged to apply these updates to mitigate the associated security risks.
Overview of Fixed Linux Kernel AWS Vulnerabilities
This vulnerability was found in the Open vSwitch implementation in the Linux kernel. Under certain conditions, recursive action operations could overflow the stack. A local attacker could exploit this flaw to cause a denial of service.
Security researchers identified that the existing mitigations for the initial Branch History Injection vulnerability (CVE-2022-0001) were inadequate for Intel processors. A local attacker could exploit this to expose sensitive information.
An out-of-bounds vulnerability was found in the RDS Protocol implementation within the Linux kernel. An attacker could exploit this flaw to cause a denial of service.
Additional Vulnerabilities and Subsystem Updates
Besides the vulnerabilities mentioned above, several other security issues were addressed in various subsystems of the Linux kernel. These include PowerPC architecture, S390 architecture, Core kernel, Block layer subsystem, Android drivers, Power management core, Bus devices, Hardware random number generator core, Cryptographic API, Device frequency, DMA engine subsystem, ARM SCMI message protocol, GPU drivers, and many more.
Applying Updates and Mitigation Strategies
To address these Linux kernel vulnerabilities, it is essential to update your system’s kernel to the latest versions provided by Canonical. After performing a standard system update, you must reboot your computer to apply all necessary changes.
KernelCare Enterprise Live Patching
For those seeking to avoid the need for system reboots, TuxCare’s KernelCare Enterprise offers a live patching solution. Its live patching allows you to apply security updates to a running kernel without rebooting the system. KernelCare supports all major Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Debian, RHEL, AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux, CloudLinux, Amazon Linux, and more.
Moreover, the KernelCare team has released live patches for the above vulnerabilities. As these vulnerabilities affects multiple Linux kernel versions across various distributions, you can track the release status in the TuxCare CVE tracker.
Conclusion
The recent fixes to Linux kernel vulnerabilities are crucial for maintaining the security and stability of Linux systems running on AWS infrastructure. By promptly applying the latest updates and utilizing solutions like KernelCare Enterprise, users and organizations can protect their systems from potential threats and ensure continuous, secure operations.
Source: USN-6766-3