Kernel 4.14.15: Vulnerabilities Specter and Meltdown they also affect Linux systems. The development teams of the distributions are reportedly preparing updated kernels, while everyone should update the programs as well browsing that they use.
Previously publication we mentioned for a script which can test whether your Linux distribution is vulnerable to Specter 1 and 2 vulnerabilities or Meltdown attacks.
The script checks each variation separately and displays the results. If it shows “STATUS: VULNERABLE” it system it is vulnerable and needs an immediate (and if available) Kernel upgrade.
As you can see in the above image, with an older kernel, one of the systems I use remains vulnerable to the Specter and Meltdown security holes, at least 2 from 3 Variants.
Let's see the same test in the kernel 4.14.15
The new kernel 4.14.15 fixes 2 of the 3 Variants of Specter and Meltdown vulnerabilities. For those of you who use Linux, look in your distribution updates for the most recent updated kernel, and upgrade immediately.
It remains to be seen when the Spectre Variant 1 will be closed, the only one left. But let's not forget her statement by Werner Haas, a representative of Cyberus Technology and a member of one of the three independent teams that discovered and reported Meltdown. The expert said that achieving a comprehensive protection against Specter is very simple and may involve an "ongoing process" with software fixes and hardware modifications.
"The Specter scenario is not that simple, as cross-application attacks are unlikely without even OS participation," said Haas.
"So a general solution like Meltdown seems unlikely. Therefore, I expect combined hardware / software bug fixes along with warning that the fight against Specter will be an ongoing process. "
