Impact of Platform Firmware on Linux Kernel

Explore the critical interplay between platform firmware and the Linux kernel in this 44-minute conference talk by Intel engineers Megha Dey and Sai Praneeth Prakhya. Delve into specific instances of firmware bugs impacting operating system stability and potential solutions. Learn about the Linux UEFI Validation (LUV) framework, a comprehensive tool designed to help firmware developers uncover bugs in UEFI firmware implementation. Gain insights into the UEFI boot process, illegal firmware accesses, and kernel bugs causing system crashes. Discover the importance of rigorous validation in ensuring the smooth interaction between Linux and UEFI platform firmware, and understand how LUV aims to improve firmware quality through early bug detection and easy-to-use testing capabilities.

Intro
AGENDA
Introduction to UEFI
UEFI Services
Boot Process - Before ExitBootServices
Boot Process - After ExitBootServices
Boot Process - Virtual Address space
Illegal accesses by firmware
Illegal access by EFI Runtime Service
Samsung laptops bricked by UEFI
Kernel bugs causing panic
Buggy firmware causes issues
UEFI implementation is critical
Current Validation Strategy
Why LUV?
LUV: A unified framework
LUV: Covering the entire spectrum
LUV: Detect bugs early
LUV: Easy to use
LUV: Easy to contribute
LUV: Available features
LUV: Path to better firmware