How to update server's kernel

Zairin Hafiza

Modified on: Mon, 11 Aug, 2025 at 11:22 AM

What is a Kernel?

The kernel is the primary component of a server operating system, serving as the foundation that delivers essential services to all other elements of the OS.

Why is it necessary to update the kernel?
Meltdown and Spectre are vulnerabilities that exploit processor weaknesses, allowing programs to capture data currently being processed on a machine. Updating these releases can help mitigate the risk.

Below steps how to perform:

A) Linux OS:

Apply the kernel version update according to your current OS version:

OS Version: CL6 ( End-of-life )
Kernel version that fixed the issue: 2.6.32-896.16.1.lve1.4.49.el6

Command to run:

yum clean all && yum update kernel-firmware && yum install kernel-2.6.32-896.16.1.lve1.4.49.el6

OS Version: CL7
Kernel version that fixed the issue: 3.10.0-714.10.2.lve1.5.8.el7

Command to run:

yum clean all --enablerepo=cloudlinux-updates-testing && yum update linux-firmware microcode_ctl && yum install kernel-3.10.0-714.10.2.lve1.5.8.el7 --enablerepo=cloudlinux-updates-testing

OS Version: Centos6 ( End-of-life )
Kernel version that fixed the issue: 2.6.32-696.18.7.el6.x86_64

Command to run:
yum clean all; yum update kernel-2.6.32-696.18.7.el6.x86_64

OS Version: Centos7
Kernel version that fixed the issue: 3.10.0-693.11.6.el7.x86_64

Command to run:
yum clean all; yum update kernel-3.10.0-693.11.6.el7.x86_64

How to verify that you run the update correctly?

Inside your SSH, run the following command to check:

=====

cat /etc/redhat-release
uname -r

=====

B) Windows OS:

Apply the Windows operating system update according to your current server version:

Windows Server 2008 R2