Summary of Linux Kernel Updates for Ubuntu
As of August 5, 2025, several significant security updates for the Linux kernel on Ubuntu have been announced. These updates address vulnerabilities across different releases and distributions, impacting systems used on Oracle, AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Raspberry Pi, and more.
- Device tree and open firmware drivers
- SCSI, TTY, and Bluetooth subsystems
- Ext4 and SMB file systems
- Network traffic control
- USB sound devices
- And many more.
- Affects: Ubuntu 18.04 LTS
- Key Fixes: Issues related to various subsystems including USB and Bluetooth.
- Packages: `linux-image-4.15.0-1145-oracle`, etc.
2. FIPS Linux Kernel Updates (USN-7685-3)
- Affects: Ubuntu 18.04 LTS
- Key Fixes: Similar vulnerabilities across various cloud platforms including AWS and Azure.
- Packages: `linux-image-4.15.0-1138-fips`, etc.
3. Azure Linux Kernel Updates (USN-7685-2)
- Affects: Ubuntu 14.04 LTS
- Key Fixes: Corrects vulnerabilities in the Azure-specific kernel.
- Packages: `linux-image-4.15.0-1191-azure`, etc.
4. General Linux Kernel Updates (USN-7685-1)
- Affects: Ubuntu 18.04 LTS and 16.04 LTS
- Key Fixes: Broad security vulnerabilities across multiple kernel types.
- Packages: Various updates including `linux-image-4.15.0-240-generic`, etc.
5. Raspberry Pi Kernel Updates (USN-7686-1)
- Affects: Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
- Key Fixes: Security issues in the Raspberry Pi kernel affecting multiple subsystems.
- Packages: `linux-image-5.15.0-1083-raspi`, etc.
Important Note: Due to an ABI (Application Binary Interface) change, users must recompile and reinstall any third-party kernel modules that may be present on their systems. Standard upgrades should automatically handle this unless specific kernel metapackages have been uninstalled.
- Monitor announcements from Ubuntu for any new vulnerabilities or patches.
- Ensure compatibility of third-party kernel modules with new kernel versions after updates.
For more detailed information, users can refer to the Ubuntu security notices linked within each section
Key Vulnerabilities Addressed
The updates resolve multiple security issues that could potentially allow attackers to compromise systems. The vulnerabilities span various subsystems including:- Device tree and open firmware drivers
- SCSI, TTY, and Bluetooth subsystems
- Ext4 and SMB file systems
- Network traffic control
- USB sound devices
- And many more.
Specific Updates by Release
1. Oracle Linux Kernel Updates (USN-7685-4)- Affects: Ubuntu 18.04 LTS
- Key Fixes: Issues related to various subsystems including USB and Bluetooth.
- Packages: `linux-image-4.15.0-1145-oracle`, etc.
2. FIPS Linux Kernel Updates (USN-7685-3)
- Affects: Ubuntu 18.04 LTS
- Key Fixes: Similar vulnerabilities across various cloud platforms including AWS and Azure.
- Packages: `linux-image-4.15.0-1138-fips`, etc.
3. Azure Linux Kernel Updates (USN-7685-2)
- Affects: Ubuntu 14.04 LTS
- Key Fixes: Corrects vulnerabilities in the Azure-specific kernel.
- Packages: `linux-image-4.15.0-1191-azure`, etc.
4. General Linux Kernel Updates (USN-7685-1)
- Affects: Ubuntu 18.04 LTS and 16.04 LTS
- Key Fixes: Broad security vulnerabilities across multiple kernel types.
- Packages: Various updates including `linux-image-4.15.0-240-generic`, etc.
5. Raspberry Pi Kernel Updates (USN-7686-1)
- Affects: Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
- Key Fixes: Security issues in the Raspberry Pi kernel affecting multiple subsystems.
- Packages: `linux-image-5.15.0-1083-raspi`, etc.
Update Instructions
To address these vulnerabilities, users are advised to update their systems to the specified package versions. After the update, a system reboot is required for the changes to take effect.Important Note: Due to an ABI (Application Binary Interface) change, users must recompile and reinstall any third-party kernel modules that may be present on their systems. Standard upgrades should automatically handle this unless specific kernel metapackages have been uninstalled.
Future Recommendations
- Regularly check for kernel updates and apply them promptly to ensure system security.- Monitor announcements from Ubuntu for any new vulnerabilities or patches.
- Ensure compatibility of third-party kernel modules with new kernel versions after updates.
For more detailed information, users can refer to the Ubuntu security notices linked within each section
Linux kernel updates for Ubuntu
Several Linux kernel security updates are available for Ubuntu Linux
[USN-7685-4] Linux kernel (Oracle) vulnerabilities
[USN-7685-3] Linux kernel (FIPS) vulnerabilities
[USN-7685-2] Linux kernel (Azure) vulnerabilities
[USN-7685-1] Linux kernel vulnerabilities
[USN-7686-1] Linux kernel (Raspberry Pi) vulnerabilities