Microsoft issues emergency Windows update for processor security bugs (which affects AMD,ARM & Linux)

[RedBaird]

This site says that MS will install Emergency Updates today, at 5pm EST and 2pm PST...I just received mine at 1pm PST.  It included updates for ARM and Windows Server 2016.

 

https://www.theverge.com/2018/1/3/16846784/microsoft-processor-bug-windows-10-fix  

 

NOTE:  "The update will also be available for older and supported versions of Windows today, but systems running operating systems like Windows 7 or Windows 8 won’t automatically be updated through Windows Update until next Tuesday. Windows 10 will be automatically updated today."

 

Nest Tuesday is the traditional "Patch Tuesday".  

 

Here is the Update Catalog that I received for Win10 ver. KB4056892  https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=KB4056892  only about half apply to my win10 pro 64-bit ver.1709

 

Here is a PC Gamer article which says that the Intel CPU design problem won't affect gaming : http://www.pcgamer.com/serious-intel-cpu-design-flaw-may-require-a-windows-patch-but-probably-wont-affect-gaming-performance/?utm_content=buffer5f93b&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=buffer-maxpcfb

 

The biggest danger is to large companies with large sites and systems.

 

"... the fixes will also rely on firmware updates from Intel, AMD, or other vendors that are rolling out...."

[RedBaird]

This article says that the flaw is not limited to Intel CPUs : https://www.pcmag.com/news/358249/intel-chips-have-a-major-design-flaw-and-the-fix-means-slowe

[cookiem0nster]

amd denied it as a vulnerability, so that leaves arm and intel unless amd is lying

[RedBaird]

amd denied it as a vulnerability, so that leaves arm and intel unless amd is lying

 

I am now reading that Intel, AMD and ARM are all vulnerable...who ya gonna believe?

 

ADDED: 

 

A Tech site, "The Register" (www.theregister.com.uk) is said to have discovered the flaw...or made it public.

Here is their 2 January news-flash :   Kernel-memory-leaking Intel processor design flaw forces Linux, Windows redesign 

 

Here they say to check your AntiVirus : Microsoft patches Windows to cool off Intel's Meltdown – wait, antivirus?

 

Here is their spreadsheet of the status of various AntiVirus products that are working on or have fixed a problem where their programs could cause a BSOD.  MS won't install their patches until a certain Registry key is set.  I just checked mine and it does have the value.  Symantec / Norton must have set it before I applied the MS update today.   Expect the AV spreadsheet to be updated with new information.

Edited January 5, 2018 by RedBaird

[RedBaird]

I cross-posted the post message here to the FA News section and added some further info there.  https://fearless-assassins.com/topic/91600-microsoft-issues-emergency-windows-update-for-processor-security-bugs-which-affects-amdarm-linux/