It’s not typically that Intel releases an unscheduled patch that applies to just about each trendy processor. However that’s precisely what’s occurring this Friday.
As noticed by PCWorld, chips starting from 2017 to the current 13th technology are listed within the code for the patch, which was posted on the Intel GitHub web page. In different phrases, should you personal a comparatively new PC powered by Intel, the corporate thinks you want your system patched.
Nothing is listed that explains the aim of the microcode, which was initially posted on Could 12. Clearly, this has made some folks suspicious that Intel was addressing a widespread safety concern with the patch.
The excellent news? Intel responded to the outreach from PCWorld, reportedly offering the next assertion over e mail:
“Microcode 20230512 replace launched on Could 12, 2023, doesn’t include any safety updates and the be aware, [INTEL-SA-NA], is supposed to convey that there aren’t any relevant (Not Relevant) safety updates within the bundle. The microcode replace consists of purposeful updates solely (additionally documented in product erratum).”
As you’ll discover, the assertion from Intel doesn’t really clarify the character of the patch — however does make clear that it’s not security-related.
That ought to, nonetheless, reassure us that we don’t have one other Spectre and Meltdown vulnerability on our arms, which affected almost each PC at the moment in use. Whew.
Nonetheless, we are able to’t assist be inquisitive about what this patch may be addressing. Both means, we might not know the character of the patch till it will get rolled right into a future Home windows or motherboard BIOS replace, which is usually the place these patches from Intel find yourself.
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