MA47093 - LIC Spectre and Meltdown speculation barrier functions

Abstract

LIC Spectre and Meltdown speculation barrier functions

Error Description

Provides the ability to create a processor speculation barrier  
and perform branch prediction cache flush capabilities.        

Problem Summary

IBM has released this PTF in response to CVE-2017-5753,        
CVE-2017-5715, CVE-2017-5754, and CVE-2018-3639.                

Problem Conclusion

The Licensed Internal Code will be updated to support customer  
callable functions that can be used to help mitigate            
Spectre/Meltdown vulnerabilities.  The new functions can be    
called using the SYNCSTG machine interface instruction and      
provide barriers against hardware speculation.  If a program    
that uses any of these new capabilities is moved to a different
system, the target system must include all the latest          
Spectre/Meltdown PTFs and firmware patches.  Failure to do so  
may result in one of the following:                            
                                                               
1. Failure to provide any machine speculation protection.      
                                                               
2. Failure to provide an application barrier.                  
                                                               
3. MSGMCH6801, type=1, may be generated when the program runs.  
                                                               
4. MSGMCH4245, reason code 3, or MSGMCH4227, reason code 7, may
be generated when the program is created or converted.          
                                                               
5. MSGCPF3888 may be generated if a program is restored and    
program conversion is needed.                                  
                                                               
See the IBM i Security Bulletin for a list of all previously    
released PTFs and firmware patches needed to mitigate          
Spectre/Meltdown vulnerabilities:                              
                                                               
www.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=nas8N1022433                

Temporary Fix

Comments

Circumvention

PTFs Available

R710 MF67822  1000

R720 MF65010  9123

R730 MF64997  9116

Affected Modules

Affected Publications

Summary Information

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