2.1.2 Exadata Autonomous Kernel Update

Oracle Exadata System Software release 26.2.0 introduces Exadata Autonomous Kernel Update, an opt-in capability that provides autonomous online Oracle Linux kernel updates for Oracle Exadata database servers and storage servers.

Traditionally, customers receive Exadata security fixes through regular scheduled Oracle Exadata System Software maintenance releases. For urgent vulnerabilities, particularly zero-day and high-severity CVEs, waiting for the next maintenance release can extend the period during which a system remains exposed.

Exadata Autonomous Kernel Update accelerates Oracle Linux kernel security remediation. When fully enabled, the system automatically connects to the Ksplice update service, retrieves applicable Oracle Linux kernel updates, and applies them to the running kernel.

Applying a Ksplice kernel update does not require an immediate system reboot. Consequently, administrators can remediate applicable kernel vulnerabilities sooner and with less disruption to running database workloads.

Exadata Autonomous Kernel Update complements the existing Exadata software update mechanisms. It does not replace Exadata Live Update, conventional Exadata updates, or regular Exadata maintenance releases. Exadata image updates continue to establish the durable operating system and kernel baseline, while Exadata Autonomous Kernel Update provides online runtime remediation between those updates.