Software & AppsOperating SystemLinux

Is the 5.15.0-47 kernel causing VirtualBox crashes in Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy?

Ubuntu 11

Yes, there have been reports of a kernel bug in the 5.15.0-47-generic kernel version that is causing VirtualBox to crash on Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy. This article will delve into the details of this issue and provide potential solutions.

Quick Answer

Yes, the 5.15.0-47 kernel version in Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy is causing VirtualBox crashes.

The Problem

Users have reported that their Chrome browser crashes regularly when running Windows VMs on VirtualBox 6.1.34. Interestingly, when they switch back to the previous kernel version (5.15.0-46), the problem seems to disappear. This suggests that the issue is specifically tied to the 5.15.0-47 kernel.

Possible Solutions

Rebuilding the DKMS

One potential solution to this problem is to rebuild the Dynamic Kernel Module Support (DKMS). This is a program that allows kernel modules to be dynamically built with the current kernel version.

Here’s how you can do it:

sudo dkms remove vboxhost/6.1.34 --all
sudo dkms install vboxhost/6.1.34

In these commands, vboxhost/6.1.34 is the name and version of the kernel module, --all removes it from all kernel versions, and install rebuilds it.

Using a Lightweight Browser

If the above solution doesn’t work, another alternative is to use a lightweight browser like Midori. This can help reduce the load on the system and potentially avoid the crashes.

Known Issues

This problem is linked to a known issue discussed in the Linux Kernel and VirtualBox Bug tracker. The issue is related to a Linux Kernel commit (6e8ec2552c7d) that was meant to fix security vulnerabilities but seems to have inadvertently caused this problem. Patches for this issue have been available for the latest stable upstream release (6.1.34) for a few weeks.

You can find more information and updates on the issue in the launchpad bug report: bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/virtualbox/+bug/1988473.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing issues with VirtualBox on the 5.15.0-47-generic kernel, you can try rebuilding the DKMS or using a lightweight browser. It’s important to keep an eye on the launchpad bug report for updates on the issue. We hope this article has provided you with some useful insights and potential solutions to this problem.

How do I check my current kernel version in Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy?

You can check your current kernel version by opening a terminal and running the command uname -r. It will display the kernel version installed on your system.

How can I switch back to the previous kernel version in Ubuntu?

To switch back to the previous kernel version, you can use the grub bootloader. Restart your computer and hold the Shift key during boot to enter the grub menu. From there, select "Advanced options for Ubuntu" and choose the desired kernel version.

What is DKMS and why should I rebuild it?

DKMS stands for Dynamic Kernel Module Support. It allows kernel modules to be automatically rebuilt when a new kernel version is installed. Rebuilding DKMS ensures that the VirtualBox kernel module is compatible with the current kernel version, which can help resolve compatibility issues.

Can I use a different virtualization software instead of VirtualBox?

Yes, there are alternative virtualization software options available such as VMware or KVM. You can try using them if you continue to experience issues with VirtualBox.

Is there a permanent fix for this issue?

The permanent fix for this issue would be a patch or update from either the Linux Kernel or VirtualBox developers. It’s important to stay updated with the launchpad bug report mentioned in the article to be aware of any developments or solutions.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *