14 DAY TRIAL // If you're using Canonical's kernel live patch update system for rebootless Linux kernel updates, Benjamin M. Romer is informing users about the availability of a major patch.
According to Kernel Live Patch Security Notice LSN-0021-1, a total of fourteen Linux kernel vulnerabilities have been patched for users of the Ubuntu 16.04 LTS (Xenial Xerus) operating system series, including the two point releases, Ubuntu 16.04.1 LTS and Ubuntu 16.04.2 LTS, but only if the Linux 4.4 kernel is used.
The patched vulnerabilities are CVE-2017-7308, CVE-2017-6074, CVE-2016-5195, CVE-2016-7910, CVE-2016-7911, CVE-2016-7912, CVE-2016-7916, CVE-2016-8399, CVE-2016-8630, CVE-2016-8633, CVE-2016-9191, CVE-2016-9555, CVE-2016-9756, and CVE-2017-2583, all of which have been detailed in the respective security advisories.
Kernel Live Patch 4.4.0-71.92 is the latest available for Ubuntu 16.04 LTS
The latest stable kernel live patch available for users of the Ubuntu 16.04 LTS (Xenial Xerus) operating system is version 4.4.0-71.92, which is available in generic and lowlatency variants and is the recommended version to install on your computer. You can watch the video attached at the end of the article to learn how to update your system.
First off, you'll need to have Kernel Live Patch installed on your Ubuntu 16.04 LTS machine, so follow the instructions provided on the Canonical Livepatch Service website. Then run the "canonical-livepatch status" command to check the currently installed kernel version. If a new version is available, update the system.
Canonical's Kernel Live Patch system is designed in such a way not to require a reboot after installing a new kernel version. Therefore, you don't need to reboot your computer after applying this version. However, Canonical recommends users to also install an updated kernel and reboot at their earliest convenience.
