New Linux Patch Lets You Force CPU Bugs/Mitigations Even When Not Vulnerable

[phoronix]

Phoronix: New Linux Patch Lets You Force CPU Bugs/Mitigations Even When Not Vulnerable

While most users frown upon the increasing number of CPU security mitigations in part due to the additional overhead commonly introduced, a new Linux kernel patch by a Google engineer would allow users/developers to opt-in to forcing CPU bugs and their mitigations even if the system in use isn't known to be vulnerable...

https://www.phoronix.com/news/Linux-force_cpu_bug

[Raka555]

Sounds like a knob they can "accidentally" leave in the wrong position to make people want to upgrade ...

[Jabberwocky]

Sounds like a knob they can "accidentally" leave in the wrong position to make people want to upgrade ...

Thanks why it's great that we can turn the knobs yourselves.

Some other operating systems allows this partially: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/...2-0d96f30c8c8e

Meanwhile Raspberry Pi Foundation (specifically Eben Upton) still have their heads in the sand: https://www.raspberrypi.com/news/why...e-or-meltdown/

[markg85]

Meanwhile Raspberry Pi Foundation (specifically Eben Upton) still have their heads in the sand: https://www.raspberrypi.com/news/why...e-or-meltdown/

He explains exactly how it all works and why it's not affecting them, how on earth is that a "heads in the sands" approach?

[Phoronos]

Yes you can make your linux slower if you want to.

[Weasel]

Yes you can make your linux slower if you want to.

As much as I am about performance and hate mitigations hysteria, I admit having more choices is a good thing, so it's fine. As long as it's opt-in and a choice. Not the default.

[Phoronos]

As much as I am about performance and hate mitigations hysteria, I admit having more choices is a good thing, so it's fine. As long as it's opt-in and a choice. Not the default.

I know, I was only joking

[Jabberwocky]

He explains exactly how it all works and why it's not affecting them, how on earth is that a "heads in the sands" approach?

Because he conveniently leaves out Pi 4 and Pi 5 and others in that class like compute modules etc... he only mentions old in-order chips ARM1176, Cortex-A7, and Cortex-A53.

He knew at the time of writing and he still till today doesn't update the post knowing those are 100% vulnerable.

Most people including investors don't read the fine print. They think he is being honest meanwhile he's either EXTREMELY INCOMPETENT or more likely purposefully deceitful.

We'll see how many years before he sells his stock or the company as a whole. That's usually what people do that simp to investors to this extent.