Anonymizing Linux: Tails 6.15 fixes GRUB loader display

After the makers of the Linux distribution Tails recently had to release an emergency update, the distribution is now entering calmer waters. Updated core components and minor bug fixes, such as for the GRUB loader, characterize the latest release 6.15. Tails is a Linux distribution for the USB stick in your pocket for booting computers on which users can then surf anonymously.

In the release notes for Tails 6.15, the maintainers briefly summarize the changes. The central component for anonymous network access, Tor Browser, is included in version 14.5.1. The developers have also updated the Linux kernel, which is now at version 6.1.135.

Better privacy protection after a crash

Should Tails crash with a kernel panic or an oops, residues could remain in the EFI variables. This means that the use of Tails could potentially be detected during a physical examination of a computer. The developers have implemented a correction for this.

More on the cosmetic side is the bug fix that causes the GRUB bootloader to display frames of special characters instead of the intended dashes and lines. This could occur in connection with activated Secure Boot.

The current Tails version 6.15 is available for download as an image for USB sticks and as an ISO image for burning to DVD or for use in a virtual machine.

In mid-April, the Tails maintainers released version 6.14.2 as an emergency security update. Security vulnerabilities in it made this necessary. Several vulnerabilities were fixed by upgrading the kernel version to 6.1.133. In addition, a vulnerability in the supplied Perl interpreter could also compromise the confidentiality of the anonymizing Linux. With the new tails version, the distribution is back on a "normal" track.

(dmk)