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Recommended update of Linux kernel sources

Knowledgebase

(Last modified: 15JAN2002)


solutions Recommended update of Linux kernel sources SuSE Linux Maintenance Web (7e3abea2fab01255f59edf6bb9acb0a5)

Applies to

Product(s): SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 7 for IA32
SuSE Linux Connectivity Server

Package: d2/kernel-source
Architecture: i386
Release: 20020115
Obsoletes: none

Indications

The update to Linux kernel 2.4.16 is recommended for performance and stability reasons. This Article covers the SuSE Linux kernel sources. This update is only needed if you are using a self-compiled kernel.

Contraindications

If you are currently running a SuSE-provided Linux kernel you should use the update for the appropriate compiled kernel images covered by the other Maintenance Web articles.

Problem description

The following problems have been found in the Linux kernel 2.4.7 that is used by several SuSE products:
  • Lack of stability on some machines
  • Poor performance, depending on the amount of memory and applications used, due to VM implementation.
  • Potential local DoS vulnerability due to unsufficient checks on symbolic links.
  • Potential system crash due to unsufficient parameter checks in binfmt_misc loader.
  • Numerous small bugs.

Solution

Please install the new kernel 2.4.16 sources provided at the location noted below and recompile the kernel.

Installation notes

This update is provided as an RPM package that can easily be installed onto a running system by using the following commands:
rpm -Uvh kernel-source.rpm
Now configure the kernel to your needs, compile it and reconfigure your boot loader (i.e. run 'lilo'). Please note that we cannot support your system if you are using self-compiled kernels. Furthermore your installation may be considered unsupported or uncertified by several third-party software vendors in this case. Please use one of the SuSE standard kernels to avoid this.
Also note that you will need updated utilities for the new
kernel, please refer to the Maintenance Web article
'Recommended update for kernel utils and modules' for details.

links to download packages

Download Source Packages

Download the source code of the patches for maintained products.


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