Challenges and Innovations Towards Spatial Safety in the Linux Kernel

Explore the journey towards enhancing spatial safety in the Linux kernel through this 47-minute conference talk. Delve into the history of flexible-array transformations, starting with the discovery of an 8-year-old bug in March 2019. Learn about the development of new Clang and GCC hardening compiler options and attributes that significantly improve kernel security. Discover new hardening helpers and safer coding practices that address out-of-bounds bugs. Gain insights into the challenges faced and progress made over five years in the quest for improved spatial safety. Understand the impact of these innovations on kernel development practices and the learning curve for developers. Follow the speaker's account of recent challenges and milestones in the ongoing effort to eliminate out-of-bounds bugs in the Linux kernel.