linux-kernel - RE: [PATCH v3 0/3] Enable a capsule loader interface for user to update

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Date:	Sun, 12 Apr 2015 08:38:11 +0000
From:	"Kweh, Hock Leong" <hock.leong.kweh@...el.com>
To:	Borislav Petkov <bp@...en8.de>
CC:	Ming Lei <ming.lei@...onical.com>,
	Matt Fleming <matt@...sole-pimps.org>,
	Greg Kroah-Hartman <gregkh@...uxfoundation.org>,
	"Ong, Boon Leong" <boon.leong.ong@...el.com>,
	LKML <linux-kernel@...r.kernel.org>,
	"linux-efi@...r.kernel.org" <linux-efi@...r.kernel.org>,
	Sam Protsenko <semen.protsenko@...aro.org>,
	Peter Jones <pjones@...hat.com>,
	"Andy Lutomirski" <luto@...capital.net>,
	Roy Franz <roy.franz@...aro.org>
Subject: RE: [PATCH v3 0/3] Enable a capsule loader interface for user to
 update

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Borislav Petkov [mailto:bp@...en8.de]
> Sent: Friday, April 10, 2015 9:58 PM
> 
> On Sat, Apr 11, 2015 at 03:40:41AM +0800, Kweh, Hock Leong wrote:
> > From: "Kweh, Hock Leong" <hock.leong.kweh@...el.com>
> >
> > Hi Guys,
> >
> > This patchset is created on top of "efi: Capsule update support" patch:
> > http://permalink.gmane.org/gmane.linux.kernel.efi/4837
> >
> > It expose a sysfs loader interface for user to upload the capsule binary
> > and calling efi_capsule_update() API to pass the binary to EFI firmware.
> 
> What I'm missing from those 0/n mails is why we need this? What is
> the problem you're trying to solve and why is Peter's userspace-only
> solution not enough.
> 
> Now I have a fairly good idea why we might/could/would need the kernel
> interface but I don't believe the every reader has followed the whole
> discussion.
> 
> So please start with the Why. Try to sell it to me as best as you can.
> Details will be discussed later anyway.
> 
> Thanks.
> 

Hi Borislav,

I will make the summary, for more detail, you can refer to the threads here:
- https://lkml.org/lkml/2015/3/10/418
- https://lkml.org/lkml/2015/3/10/262

Summary:
- Kernel interface could provide more flexibility than just firmware updates.
- For embedded small foot print devices, not all vendors are affordable to include all userland tools to their product.
- Not all platform support ESRT.


Regards,
Wilson