Don't panic It's only 60 Linux CVE security bulletins a week

The Linux security team issues an average of 60 Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) bulletins weekly, a figure that may seem alarming but is considered routine within the Linux ecosystem. Greg Kroah-Hartman, a key maintainer of the Linux stable kernel, emphasized that while these CVEs can indicate serious issues, they do not always affect every user due to the vast diversity of Linux deployments. The Linux kernel consists of approximately 38 million lines of code, with individual systems utilizing only a fraction of this. The kernel team has taken over the assignment of CVEs to ensure accountability and improve the process, especially in light of new regulations. Kroah-Hartman noted that the rapid issuance of CVEs reflects the complexity of the Linux environment, where a bug can have varying levels of severity depending on its context. Users are encouraged to regularly update their systems to the latest stable kernel to maintain security, as many successful deployments, like Debian, demonstrate the effectiveness of this practice. Ultimately, while the volume of CVEs may appear daunting, most users will find that only a small number are relevant to their specific configurations.

- The Linux security team issues about 60 CVEs weekly, which is routine for the ecosystem.

- The Linux kernel has 38 million lines of code, with individual systems using only a small portion.

- The kernel team now assigns CVEs to enhance accountability and adapt to new regulations.

- Regular updates to the latest stable kernel are crucial for maintaining security.

- Most CVEs will not affect every user, as their impact varies by deployment context.