The Linux kernel version 6.18.7 has been released with several key updates aimed at improving stability and performance. One change addresses potential memory corruption issues in systems using multiple processors by updating how locks are acquired, specifically through the use of spin_lock_irqsave(). Another update optimizes page freeing within the decay_pcp_high function, now using batching to prevent resource hogs that could stall system components. Additionally, a previous update related to functionfs was reversed to address compatibility issues and prevent disruptions on some Android devices.

Linux Kernel 6.18.7 released

Linux kernel version 6.18.7 is now available. It brings a few important tweaks focused on making things smoother and more stable for everyone using it.

One change deals with potential memory corruption problems in the page allocator part of the code, especially on computer systems that use multiple processors (SMP) when interrupts are turned off. The issue happened because someone tried to grab a specific lock while interrupts weren't running, which isn't allowed under certain conditions. The fix involves updating how spin_lock() works by using spin_lock_irqsave().

Another update is about optimizing how pages get freed back into the pool, specifically within a function called decay_pcp_high. It now uses batching to handle this, because previously if too many free pages were processed at once by calling another helper (free_pcppages_bulk), it could hog resources and cause other parts of the system needing those memory zones or locks to stall.

Then there's a separate change related to something called functionfs. This latest release reversed a previous update that caused issues on some Android devices during testing. This decision wasn't about reversing progress for its own sake; it was necessary to address compatibility issues and prevent disruption.

Linux kernel 6.18.7 released

Linux kernel version 6.18.7 is now available:

Full source: https://cdn.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v6.x/linux-6.18.7.tar.xz
Patch: https://cdn.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v6.x/patch-6.18.7.xz
PGP Signature: https://cdn.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v6.x/linux-6.18.7.tar.sign

You can view the summary of the changes at the following URL:
https://git.kernel.org/stable/ds/v6.18.7/v6.18.6