Kernel & Embedded News: slab_tiny Targets 7.4; inotify Side Channel

Linux kernel version 7.4 is set to introduce a new feature called slab_tiny boot option. This option replaces the compile-time CONFIG_SLUB_TINY and allows a single kernel image to cater to both small-memory and full-size boards. Additionally, a patch for sheaves refill has been included, which can improve performance by 24% in an mmap microbenchmark.

Researchers from Graz University of Technology have demonstrated a security vulnerability in the inotify system. This system leaks keystroke timing and authentication-prompt timing information. The partial fix for this vulnerability has already been included in the longterm series of the Linux kernel.

In other news, Linux 7.3 has reached its release candidate 5 (rc5) stage, with a final release projected for mid-October. The 7.1 series, however, is now at the end of its life. For the RK3588 mainline video decoding, efforts are being made towards dual-core operation, with the H.264 and HEVC decode functions being upstreamed since Linux 7.0. The next step is to incorporate a second decoder core. Additionally, the kernel may gain an AGENTS.md file to facilitate the integration of AI coding agents.

A decision has been made to move the small-system mode of the memory allocator from build time to boot time. Vlastimil Babka, the slab maintainer, posted an eight-patch series on 23 September that replaces CONFIG_SLUB_TINY with a slab_tiny boot option. This change will be included in the 7.4 merge window. The compile-time Kconfig switch for CONFIG_SLUB_TINY is now deprecated, making the boot option more flexible and accessible.