{
  "id": 10605977,
  "title": "Kernel & Embedded News: slab_tiny Targets 7.4; inotify Side Channel",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/kernel-embedded-news-slab-tiny-targets-7-4-inotify-side-channel",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-29T04:09:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dev.to",
    "slug": "dev-to",
    "url": "https://dev.to/raghu_bharadwaj_404e60eb0c/kernel-embedded-news-slabtiny-targets-74-inotify-side-channel-8l0"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nResearchers 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.\n\nIn 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.\n\nA 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.",
  "summary": "Linux 7.4 is set to gain a slab_tiny boot option that replaces the compile-time CONFIG_SLUB_TINY, letting one kernel image serve both small-memory and full-size boards, alongside a sheaves refill patch worth 24% on an mmap microbenchmark. Security researchers demonstrated that inotify leaks keystroke timing and authentication-prompt timing; the kernel's partial fix is already in the longterm…",
  "key_points": [
    "slabtiny boot option introduced in Linux 7.4",
    "inotify system vulnerability patched in longterm series",
    "Linux 7.3 reaches release candidate 5 stage"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The shift of the small-system mode of the memory allocator from build time to boot time via the slabtiny option increases flexibility for kernel users, particularly for small-memory and full-size boards.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}