Ubuntu 24.04 Security Features: Find What’s New
With the recent release of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, dubbed Noble Numbat, users can enjoy a heightened level of security features and enhancements. As with previous Ubuntu releases, Noble Numbat extends its commitment to security with five years of free security maintenance for the main repository. However, what sets this release apart is its focus on bolstering security measures to counter the evolving threat landscape. Let’s delve into some of the key security features and improvements that Ubuntu 24.04 LTS brings to the table, building upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, Ubuntu 22.04 LTS.
New Security Features in Ubuntu 24.04
Unprivileged User Namespace Restrictions
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS introduces refined controls over unprivileged user namespaces, a critical component for enhancing application security. Unprivileged user namespaces are often used in sandboxes, where a trusted part of an application can create a more restricted environment for less trusted parts to run within. However, these namespaces can also introduce vulnerabilities. Ubuntu 23.10 introduced the ability to restrict the use of these namespaces to applications that genuinely need them. Ubuntu 24.04 LTS improves on this by covering more applications and offering better default settings. By default, all applications can use unprivileged user namespaces, but any access to additional permissions within the namespace is denied. This allows more applications to function normally while still safeguarding against vulnerabilities.
Binary Hardening
Modern toolchains and compilers have been equipped with advanced defensive mechanisms to fortify binaries against various threats. Ubuntu 24.04 LTS elevates binary hardening by enabling FORTIFY_SOURCE=3
, enhancing the detection of buffer overflows and format-string vulnerabilities. Additionally, support for Armv8-M hardware architecture further strengthens binary security, leveraging hardware-enforced pointer authentication and branch target identification to thwart malicious attacks.
AppArmor 4
Mandatory access control is reinforced through AppArmor 4, offering granular control over resource access for applications. Ubuntu 24.04 LTS embraces the latest iteration of AppArmor, introducing new features such as specifying network addresses and ports within security policies. Notably, the ability to defer access control decisions to trusted userspace programs enhances flexibility and real-time threat response capabilities.
Disabling of Old TLS Versions
To uphold the integrity of secure communications, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS discontinues support for outdated TLS versions (1.0 and 1.1) and DTLS 1.0. By mitigating the risk of TLS downgrade attacks, users can trust that their sensitive information remains protected during data transmission.
Upstream Kernel Security Features
Building upon the robust security foundation of its predecessor, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS incorporates the v6.8 Linux kernel, which introduces additional security enhancements. Noteworthy features include Intel shadow stack support, secure virtualization with AMD SEV-SNP and Intel TDX, and strict compile-time bounds checking. These features collectively fortify the kernel against a wide range of potential exploits, ensuring robust system security.
Conclusion
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat) prioritizes security with advanced features and sets a new standard for security in Linux distributions. With an array of enhancements spanning kernel security, binary hardening, and access control mechanisms, this new LTS release offers unparalleled protection against emerging threats. Whether for enterprise deployments or personal use, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS provides a secure foundation for developing and deploying applications in today’s increasingly risky digital landscape.
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This article includes a story from Ubuntu Blog.


