Intel CPU kernel bug FAQ: Fix for massive security flaw could slow down PCs and Macs

[Disclosure]

Intel CPU kernel bug FAQ: Fix for massive security flaw could slow down PCs and Macs

A massive, mysterious security flaw in Intel CPUs is forcing a redesign of the kernel software at the heart of all major operating systems, The Register is reporting. Since the issue lies directly in Intel’s x86-64 hardware, Windows, Linux, and Mac all need to protect against it. Processors from other companies may also be affected. And worse, it appears that plugging the hole will negatively affect your PC’s performance.

It’s hard to dive too technically into the issue, as major hardware and software vendors are working together quietly to fix the kernel issue before making the vulnerability public. But The Register’s reporting and comments on patch code coming in hot to the Linux kernel—with details redacted to obscure the exact nature of the vulnerability—give us insight into issue.

Here’s a high-level look at what we know so far about the Intel CPU kernel bug affecting Linux, Windows, and presumably Macs. Expect it to be updated repeatedly as the problem becomes more clear.

How do I know if my PC is at risk?
Short answer: It is. There isn’t any concrete data yet, but speculation is that the bug affects all Intel x86 CPUs produced over the past 10 years, regardless of the OS you’re running or whether you have a desktop or laptop. There are some reports that say newer Intel CPUs are less impacted than older ones, but the full extent is unclear.

A Linux kernel patch is also being prepared for 64-bit ARM processors. Details are murky, though a statement from Intel says that “many types of computing devices—with many different vendors’ processors and operating systems—are susceptible to these exploits.”

 

[Dafunkdoc_Unlimited]

**Places large order on AMD stock**

**Hopes designers stop trying to cut corners on Ryzen processors**

​

 

[Ciggavelli]

 

[Rain]

Ryzen

 

[el_oh_el]

Intel gonna take a LOT of heat from this

 

[The War Report]

There's an exploit that affects all cpus.


Intel, ARM, and AMD processors all impacted by new Meltdown and Spectre exploits

 

[Ciggavelli]

There's an exploit that affects all cpus.


Intel, ARM, and AMD processors all impacted by new Meltdown and Spectre exploits

 

[Rain]

There's an exploit that affects all cpus.


Intel, ARM, and AMD processors all impacted by new Meltdown and Spectre exploits

 

[acri1]

Yeah we were talking about this at work today...and we're pretty much all Intel including our servers.

Not a good look to say the least.

 

[el_oh_el]

This is a huge fukking flaw brehs.

 

[Ciggavelli]

How they gonna make a fix that slows down performance?

 

[Piffiztheanswer]

fukking sux brehs

 

[JayJedi]

Im reading conflicting reports on the effect on AMD. SOME say its affected but the patch won't dent performance, some say no effect at all on AMD.

people saying the intel patch will place them below AMD RYZEN. HOPEFULLY THIS MEANS A LOW PRICE WAR WIN FOR CONSUMERS

 

[MollyGalaga]

God damn

 

[Red Shield]

the fix will cause a slow down

intel should have got it's shyt pushed in for the shyt it pulled back in the early 2000s