Critical Linux kernel vulnerabilities (USN-7755-1) patched for Ubuntu 14.04, 16.04, & 18.04. Affects AWS, Azure, GCP cloud systems. Learn the CVE details, update instructions, and how Ubuntu Pro provides extended security coverage to protect your servers from compromise.
A new critical security advisory, USN-7755-1, has been issued by Ubuntu security maintainers, addressing multiple high-severity vulnerabilities within the Linux kernel.
These flaws, if exploited, could allow a remote or local attacker to gain elevated privileges, execute arbitrary code, or cause a denial-of-service condition, leading to a full system compromise.
This advisory is particularly crucial for enterprises running workloads on major cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Immediate patching and system reboot are mandatory to mitigate these significant security risks.
Understanding the Security Risks: What These Linux Kernel Flaws Mean
The discovered vulnerabilities are not isolated to a single component but span several critical subsystems of the kernel. This wide scope increases the potential attack surface, making comprehensive system updates essential. The affected areas include:
Media Drivers: Flaws here could be triggered by processing malicious media files.
SPI Subsystem: Issues in the Serial Peripheral Interface bus, used for communication with peripheral devices.
USB Core Drivers: Vulnerabilities within the universal serial bus core functionality.
NILFS2 File System: A log-structured file system for Linux, where bugs could lead to data corruption or privilege escalation.
IPv6 Networking: Weaknesses in the implementation of the next-generation Internet Protocol stack.
Network Traffic Control: Problems in the kernel's packet scheduling and traffic shaping mechanisms.
The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) system identifies these specific threats, including CVE-2025-38350, CVE-2025-37752, and several others from 2023 and 2024, highlighting the ongoing effort to remediate deep-seated security defects in the open-source operating system.
Step-by-Step Update Instructions: Patching Your Ubuntu Systems
To secure your infrastructure, you must apply the available patches immediately. The standard update process for Ubuntu uses the Advanced Package Tool (APT) to resolve these kernel security issues.
Update Your Package Lists: Open a terminal and run
sudo apt updateto fetch the latest package information from your configured repositories.Upgrade Installed Packages: Execute
sudo apt upgradeto install all available updates. This command will fetch and install the new, secure kernel packages listed in the advisory.Reboot Your System: This is the most critical step. You must reboot your machine to load the new, patched kernel into memory. The update is not active until the system is restarted.
A Critical Note on ABI Changes and Third-Party Modules
ATTENTION: This kernel update includes an unavoidable Application Binary Interface (ABI) change, resulting in a new kernel version number.
This change requires you to recompile and reinstall any third-party kernel modules you might have installed, such as proprietary graphics drivers or virtualization tools.
If you have not manually uninstalled the standard kernel meta-packages (e.g., linux-generic, linux-virtual), a standard system upgrade will handle the base kernel installation automatically. However, the responsibility for ensuring third-party modules are compatible lies with the system administrator. Failure to do so may result in these modules failing to load after the reboot.
Affected Packages and Version Numbers
The following table details the specific Linux kernel image packages and their updated versions that resolve these vulnerabilities for each Ubuntu release.
| Ubuntu Release | Package Name | Secure Version Number |
|---|---|---|
| 18.04 LTS (Bionic) | linux-image-4.15.0-241-generic | 4.15.0-241.253 |
linux-image-aws | 4.15.0.1184.182 | |
linux-image-azure | 4.15.0.1192.160 | |
linux-image-gcp | 4.15.0.1177.190 | |
| 16.04 LTS (Xenial) | linux-image-generic-hwe-16.04 | 4.15.0.241.253~16.04.1 |
linux-image-azure | 4.15.0.1192.207~16.04.1 | |
linux-image-gcp | 4.15.0.1177.194~16.04.1 | |
| 14.04 LTS (Trusty) | linux-image-azure | 4.15.0.1192.207~14.04.1 |
Beyond Standard Support: Long-Term Security with Ubuntu Pro
For organizations running older Ubuntu LTS releases like 14.04 LTS (Trusty) or 16.04 LTS (Xenial), which have reached the end of standard security maintenance, these patches are provided through the Ubuntu Pro extended security maintenance (ESM) service.
This highlights a vital question: is your enterprise doing enough to protect its aging yet critical infrastructure?
Ubuntu Pro provides a comprehensive security coverage solution, offering ten-year security patching for over 25,000 packages in the Main and Universe repositories.
It is specifically designed to secure server environments and cloud workloads, and it's free for personal use on up to five machines. For sysadmins and DevOps engineers, enrolling in Ubuntu Pro is the most effective way to drastically reduce your organization's security exposure and ensure compliance without an immediate, costly operating system migration.
Complete List of CVE References
The USN-7755-1 advisory patches the following documented vulnerabilities:
CVE-2025-38350
CVE-2025-37752
CVE-2024-57996
CVE-2024-53131
CVE-2024-53130
CVE-2024-50202
CVE-2024-50051
CVE-2024-47685
CVE-2024-27074
CVE-2023-52477
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need to reboot after applying the linux-image update?
A: Yes, a reboot is absolutely required to terminate all processes running under the old, vulnerable kernel and to activate the new, patched one.
Q: My system is on Ubuntu 14.04 LTS. Can I get this patch?
A: Yes, but only if you have an active Ubuntu Pro subscription. Standard security support for 14.04 LTS has ended, and these critical patches are exclusively provided through the Ubuntu Pro ESM service.
Q: What is a third-party kernel module, and how do I update it?
A: Third-party kernel modules are drivers not included in the official Ubuntu kernel, such as those from NVIDIA, VMware, or ZFS. You typically need to download updated versions from the vendor's website or rebuild them using DKMS (Dynamic Kernel Module Support) after the kernel update.
Q: How does Ubuntu Pro help with cloud security?
A: Ubuntu Pro delivers hardened security configurations, automated kernel live patching for zero-downtime updates, and compliance profiles (FIPS, CIS) specifically optimized for AWS, Azure, and GCP cloud instances, providing a stronger security posture out-of-the-box.
Conclusion: Prioritize Security Patching Immediately
Linux kernel vulnerabilities remain a high-priority target for malicious actors due to the central role the kernel plays in system operation. The USN-7755-1 advisory addresses a serious set of threats that underscore the non-negotiable importance of timely patch management and system maintenance.
Whether you are managing a private data center or a fleet of cloud instances, immediately scheduling a maintenance window to apply these patches is imperative. For long-term stability and security, consider leveraging Ubuntu Pro to gain extended coverage and peace of mind for your entire software portfolio.
Action: Don't leave your systems exposed. Get Ubuntu Pro today for free on up to five machines and secure your deployments with enterprise-grade, long-term security patches.
Nenhum comentário:
Postar um comentário