Mind The Gap - The Linux Ecosystem Kernel Patch Gap

Explore the challenges and solutions surrounding Linux kernel patching in this informative conference talk from Nullcon Goa 2022. Delve into the complexities of maintaining security across the fragmented Linux ecosystem, from IoT devices to cloud infrastructure. Learn about automated tools for assessing kernel patch status, reducing the overhead of securing Linux systems. Discover the engineering challenges involved in handling millions of git commits efficiently, and gain insights into improving patch hygiene. Understand the crucial decisions device vendors must make early in development, including kernel lifecycle planning and version selection. Examine the role of chipset vendors in supporting chosen kernel versions and hardware requirements. Get introduced to Kernel Patchalyzer, a tool for quickly analyzing patch status in embedded devices. Gain valuable knowledge on optimizing patch analysis processes and implementing better patching practices during development.

Intro
Kernel patching is our common interest. In other words: How old is your smart TV?
Kernel patching is a complex shared responsibility.
Multiple parties are involved in kernel patching, which brings a unique set of challenges.
Ecosystem fragmentation further complicates kernel patching.
Automation can improve patching processes.
Device vendors need to make four crucial decisions early in the development process.
Kernel lifecycle and support timeframe need to be carefully planned pro-actively.
Legal requirements on support timeframe are relatively recent.
Device vendors must carefully consider the choice of Linux kernel version.
3a A best practice for embedded device vendors is using a LTS Linux kernel version.
Chipset vendors must support the chosen (LTS) kernel version and hardware requirements.
We implemented Kernel Patchalyzer to help analyze the patch status of embedded devices during assessments.
Kernel Patchalyzer helps testing for kernel patches quickly with a high confidence.
Finding available patches involves preprocessing and then searching across several kernel repositories
Automated testing involves trying to apply the patch to the analyzed kernel source code.
Duration of patch analysis is drastically reduced by optimization efforts.
Automation can be utilized to improve patching processes during development.