Linux 3.19 Kernel Adds Intel MPX Support For Skylake

[phoronix]

Phoronix: Linux 3.19 Kernel Adds Intel MPX Support For Skylake

We've been talking about Intel MPX support in the kernel for one year and with the upcoming Linux 3.19 kernel that support is finally being realized...

http://www.phoronix.com/vr.php?view=MTg1ODE

[toyotabedzrock]

So is this an always on protection or is it just a debug option for use by developers?

[Zan Lynx]

So is this an always on protection or is it just a debug option for use by developers?

Right from the middle of the linked Phoronix article:

Two of the most important goals of Intel MPX are to provide this capability at very low performance overhead for newly compiled code, and to provide compatibility mechanisms with legacy software components. A direct benefit Intel MPX provides is hardening software against malicious attacks designed to cause or exploit buffer overruns.

[davehpdx]

So is this an always on protection or is it just a debug option for use by developers?

We intend for the kernel support to be always on. But, not all applications will be compiled with support for MPX because it *does* have overhead.

Also, don't forget that there are no CPUs you can buy currently with support for this.