A recent security update from Microsoft has inadvertently caused boot problems for computers running both Windows and Linux. The update, which was intended to fix a vulnerability in the GRUB boot loader used by many Linux distributions, has led to widespread issues for dual-boot systems.
Details:
- Problematic Update: The patch was designed to address a vulnerability in the GRUB boot loader, which is crucial for booting Linux. While Microsoft stated that the update should not affect dual-boot systems, many users have reported that their Linux installations are now unable to boot correctly.
- Affected Systems: Users of various Linux distributions—including Ubuntu, Debian, Linux Mint, Zorin OS, and Puppy Linux—are encountering errors such as “security policy violation” and “something has gone seriously wrong” when attempting to boot into Linux. These issues have been widely discussed on platforms like Reddit and Ubuntu forums.
- Update Intentions vs. Reality: The update was meant to enhance Secure Boot, a feature that prevents the loading of malicious firmware during startup. Microsoft’s Secure Boot Advanced Targeting (SBAT) mechanism was intended to address a flaw that allowed attackers to bypass Secure Boot. Microsoft assured that the update would not impact dual-boot systems, but user reports indicate otherwise.
Read More: The government has issued a cyber alert regarding critical vulnerabilities in VMware Workstation
Temporary Fix:
- For Ubuntu Users: A workaround has emerged for those using Ubuntu Linux. Users can temporarily disable the Secure Boot feature in their BIOS settings. After disabling Secure Boot, they can regain access to their Linux system by logging into Ubuntu and running a terminal command to remove Microsoft’s SBAT policy, which is causing the boot issue.
Microsoft has yet to comment on the situation, but the workaround provides a temporary solution for affected users until a more permanent fix is issued.
