Intel Chips Have Memory Access Design Flaw and Fix Could Lead to Performance Drop

serious design flaw , security vulnerability has been discovered in intel's cpus require update @ operating system level fix, reports the register. modern computers intel chips last 10 years appear affected, including running windows, linux, , macos.

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similar operating systems, such apple's 64-bit macos, need updated - flaw in intel x86 hardware, , appears microcode update can't address it. has fixed in software @ os level, or go buy new processor without design blunder.

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full details on vulnerability aren't yet known information under embargo until later in month. the register has unearthed data, however, , seems bug allows normal user programs see of contents of protected kernel memory.

means malicious programs can potentially, in worst case scenario, read contents of kernel memory, can include information passwords, login keys, , more. it's not yet clear how severe bug is, the register speculates it's significant given rapid changes being made windows , linux.

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at worst, hole abused programs , logged-in users read contents of kernel's memory. suffice say, not great. kernel's memory space hidden user processes , programs because may contain sorts of secrets, such passwords, login keys, files cached disk, , on. imagine piece of javascript running in browser, or malicious software running on shared public cloud server, able sniff sensitive kernel-protected data.

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to fix bug, kernel's memory needs isolated user processes using kernel page table isolation, cause performance hit on machines. according the register, linux , windows machines see 5 30 percent slowdown once fix in place.

it's not yet clear how macs impacted, there little information available @ time. software updates in works linux , windows, , though not mentioned, apple working on fix issue.

full details on what's known vulnerability can found @ the register, , additional information available later month when complete details on design flaw shared.

article link: intel chips have memory access design flaw , fix lead performance drop

 

what in hell?

 

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