Re: Linux 3.2: backports some features from mainline kernel (3.7)?

2012-12-23 Thread daniel curtis
Hello Mr Hutchings

Thanks for the explanation of several important issues. It is really good
that Debian is, finally, taking security seriously. I mean for example,
hardening flags, several compile-time options etc. One of the Wheezy
release goal is to update as many packages as possible to use security
hardening build flags via dpkg-buildflags, right? It is amazing, really
amazing.

Oh, when you're done this blog, please give a link/address. Good Luck!

Okay, I reached the end of my message. I have to wish you - and of course
all users on this mailing list - Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! ;-)

Best regards!


Re: Linux 3.2: backports some features from mainline kernel (3.7)?

2012-12-23 Thread daniel curtis
Hi

Your technical blog looks very interesting. Thank You for your blog
and maintaining the 3.2 stable series.

Best regards.


Re: Linux 3.2: backports some features from mainline kernel (3.7)?

2012-12-21 Thread daniel curtis
Hi,

You have written that the sysctl kernel.modules_disabled=1 option
is available. I know that, but with cryptographically signed modules
the kernel can check the signature and refuse to load any module
that can't be verified. Whether this sysctl option offers something similar?

By writing, that symlink and hardlink restrictions are already backported
and enabled by default in the Debian package, You mean a kernel package,
right?

Best regards!


Re: Linux 3.2: backports some features from mainline kernel (3.7)?

2012-12-21 Thread daniel curtis
Hi Mr Hutchings,

Could you explain, in short, why it is more secure? It seems, that
cryptographically signed modules are something... don't know,
more secure, *because before loading the module, the kernel can
check the signature and refuse to load any that can't be verified.* ;-)

symlink and hardlink protection also applies to the 2.6.32-5 kernel
or it is backported only to the 3.2 version? Both protection seems
to be implemented some time ago, right? I mean patch for kernel
(not only Debian).

I have to apologize for such naive questions, but I started to using
Debian a couple of weeks ago and I want to know something more
about Project, Debian and everything related etc. One more thing;
Is there any website where I can to find any informations about
patches, changes backported, for example, from PAX/Grsecurity
projects to the Debian kernel - 2.6.32 and 3.2?

Best regards!


Linux 3.2: backports some features from mainline kernel (3.7)?

2012-12-20 Thread daniel curtis
Hi,

I already asked this question on debian-security@ mailing list, but
Mr Cyril Brulebois suggested, that a better place to ask this question
is a debian-kernel@ mailing list. It is pretty the same question - just
copied.

Kernel 3.7 is officially out. This Linux release includes many improvements
practically in every aspect. Many changes also concerns security. Very
interesting are: Cryptographically-signed kernel modules and - long awaited
-
symlink and hardlink restrictions (already in Linux 3.6), but it broke some
programs, so it has been disabled by default, right?

Those features/changes are very interesting from security point of view.
With signed kernel modules, various distributions can lock down their
kernels.
symlink and hardlink are just a long-standing, much needed class of
security.

I would like to ask, if some of 3.7 kernel features (such as those
mentioned)
will be backported to Testing kernel (3.2)? I know Wheezy has now been
frozen
and in consequences this means that no more new features will be added etc.
But there is still some time to official release and those features, could
be tested
very well. Are there any plans to do this?

Best regards!