Does my Dell XPS 12 9Q33 ever get BIOS update for Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities?

[ryank425]

Just like what the title says.

The latest BIOS update from Dell Support for this model uploaded on

07 Dec 2017

 which clearly won't include those security fixes. (http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/drivers/driversdetails?driverId=K2YHC)

Will this model ever get BIOS update? or should I use other devices to make sure I am covered for these security problems?

[DELL-Jesse L]

ryank425,

At this time Dell is updating firmware for certain systems that could possibly be affected. If your system is not on the list there is no security issues. They may add more computers later but, as of now no update is needed.

[mweissen13]

Dear Jesse L!

This is simply not true. Of course XPS12 9Q33 is also affected by the vulnerability.

This can be checked with Microsoft's Tool:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4074629/understanding-the-output-of-get-speculationcontrols...

Intel has released a Microcode Update for the CPU:

https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/27431/Linux-Processor-Microcode-Data-File?product=873

But this Microcode must first be integrated in the system BIOS by Dell for the migitations to work.

thanks,

Michael

[jphughan]

Just to set expectations, Intel has committed to providing updated microcode to all affected processors by the end of the month, so it's possible that Dell simply hasn't received what they need from Intel yet, and then of course they would need some amount of time to test the fixes.  Another factor could be that older processors that lack more precise instructions to control branch prediction will see more of a performance hit than the newer processors, so it's possible Intel is taking more time to keep that impact as low as reasonably possible.  So keep an eye on the support.dell.com site, but it may be a few weeks yet.