Ubuntu 20.04 LTS support

Issue

• Would it be best to update the kernel to version 5.4 or 5.15? How long KernelCare supports live patching for both versions?
• Additionally, does the KernelCare team recommend using linux-aws-lts-20.04 package for the 5.4 kernel?
• What is the expected date when patches for Ubuntu AWS 5.4 kernel will stop?

Environment

• KernelCare
• Ubuntu 20.04 LTS

Solution

It is advisable to update your servers to kernel version 5.15. This version is more recent, having been released in 2022, compared to version 5.4 which was released in 2020. Updating to the latest version generally provides better performance, security, and compatibility with newer software.
https://ubuntu.com/about/release-cycle#ubuntu-kernel-release-cycle
 
NB! KernelCare offers live patches for each individual kernel for as long as the kernel vendor releases security updates for the series. This allows you to enjoy continuous protection for your existing kernels without being bound by the kernel vendor’s release schedule when planning your maintenance windows.
 
In addition, we recommend using the Standard OS kernels. You may check the supported kernel versions here:
https://patches.kernelcare.com/

Cause

The standard support ends in 2025. However, since Extended Security Maintenance (ESM) for these kernels is scheduled for an extra 5 years, we should be able to provide live patching support until 2030.

Useful links

• https://ubuntu.com/about/release-cycle#ubuntu-kernel-release-cycle
• https://patches.kernelcare.com/
• https://docs.tuxcare.com/live-patching-services/#kernelcare-1