Tails 7.4.2 Released with Emergency Kernel Fix

Tails 7.4.2 has been released as an emergency update for the privacy-focused Linux distribution that routes all internet traffic through the Tor network. This version addresses serious security vulnerabilities in the Linux kernel.

The update upgrades the kernel to version 6.12.69 and resolves issues tracked as DSA 6126-1. These vulnerabilities could potentially allow an application running inside Tails to gain administrative privileges. In a worst-case scenario, an attacker might combine another undiscovered flaw in a bundled application with these kernel issues to compromise the system and potentially expose a user’s identity.

According to the Tails team, such an attack is considered highly unlikely, and there is currently no evidence of exploitation in the wild. However, they caution that a highly skilled attacker could theoretically attempt it, which is why immediate patching is important.

In addition to the security fixes, Tails 7.4.2 resolves several bugs:

• Fixes an issue that prevented Wi-Fi settings from opening through the Tor Connection assistant
• Fixes a problem reopening Electrum if it was not closed properly
• Restores proper application of the language saved on the USB stick to the Welcome Screen

Users running Tails 7.0 or later can upgrade automatically to version 7.4.2. If the automatic upgrade fails or causes boot issues, a manual upgrade is recommended.

For complete technical details, refer to the official changelog or release announcement.