● Covered by 1 source · 2 reportsMedium impact1 negative1 neutral
GrapheneOS reports Pixel 11 lacks hardware memory tagging (MTE) support
Key points
- GrapheneOS began porting to Pixel 11 series.
- Pixel 11 lacks ARM hardware memory tagging (MTE) support.
- Lack of MTE prevents full GrapheneOS port.
- GrapheneOS suggests Google cut the feature to save money.
- GrapheneOS announced Pixel 11 includes Memory Tagging Extension (MTE) support.
Pixel 11 Lacks Hardware Memory Tagging
The GrapheneOS project has reported that the Google Pixel 11 series does not include support for ARM hardware memory tagging (MTE). This discovery was made during their efforts to port GrapheneOS to the new device, which they were unable to complete due to this missing feature.
Impact on GrapheneOS Port
The absence of MTE support in the Pixel 11's hardware, firmware, and software stack means that GrapheneOS cannot fully implement its security features on the device. This has halted the project's progress on a complete port for the Pixel 11 series, despite a week of dedicated work.
Security Implications
Hardware memory tagging is a security feature designed to mitigate memory-related vulnerabilities. GrapheneOS suggests that Google omitted this important security component from the Pixel 11 to reduce costs, potentially impacting the device's overall security posture compared to devices that include MTE.
Updates
- GrapheneOS announced Pixel 11 includes Memory Tagging Extension (MTE) support.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Primary sources
GitHub mastodon/mastodonHow outlets covered it
GrapheneOS announced that the Pixel 11 device includes Memory Tagging Extension (MTE) support. This feature enhances memory safety, which is a critical aspect of device security.
The GrapheneOS project announced that the Pixel 11 series does not support ARM hardware memory tagging (MTE), preventing a full port of their operating system. This omission means the Pixel 11 lacks a security feature present in hardware, firmware, and software, which GrapheneOS attributes to cost-cutting measures by Google.