Kernel Security as Process: Vulnerability Analysis and Patching on Ubuntu 16.04 LTS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63876/ijtm.v5i1.13Keywords:
Software security, vulnerability analysis, Linux kernel, Lynis, patching, Ubuntu 16.04Abstract
This study aims to analyze software security vulnerabilities in the Linux kernel of Ubuntu 16.04 and to implement patching solutions that mitigate the identified weaknesses, thereby enhancing system security and stability. The research adopts an experimental approach using a single Ubuntu 16.04. A security audit was conducted using Lynis, an open-source auditing tool, to examine kernel configuration, active kernel modules, file security, and network settings. The audit results were analyzed to identify potential vulnerabilities and to plan patching measures, which included kernel configuration verification, kernel module management, package repository updating, kernel upgrading, system rebooting, and post-update testing. The Lynis audit revealed that the system was generally well-configured, with PAE and NX protections enabled, 58 active kernel modules, and properly set kernel configuration files. However, the kernel version (4.15.0.112) required updating to incorporate the latest security patches. After implementing the patching solutions, the kernel was successfully upgraded to version 4.15.0-142, and post-update testing confirmed that the system operated stably without operational disruption. The study is limited to a single Ubuntu 16.04 system and relies solely on Lynis as the auditing tool; no penetration testing or exploit verification was performed. The findings are therefore not generalizable to other distributions or kernel versions. Nevertheless, the study demonstrates a practical workflow for kernel vulnerability analysis and patching that can be adapted by system administrators. The step-by-step patching procedure covering configuration verification, module management, repository update, kernel upgrade, reboot, and post-update validation provides a replicable guide for maintaining Linux kernel security in operational environments. This study combines vulnerability analysis using Lynis with a practical patching implementation on Ubuntu 16.04, offering an integrated account of the audit-to-patch process and highlighting the importance of continuous security maintenance against evolving threats.
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