Linux Firewall IPFire 2.29 Launches with Post-Quantum Encryption and System Enhancements

The open-source Linux firewall solution, IPFire, has officially released its latest version, IPFire 2.29 – Core Update 193.

This landmark update introduces cutting-edge post-quantum encryption capabilities for IPsec tunnels, along with extensive system upgrades to bolster security, performance, and hardware optimization for the long term.

Post-Quantum Cryptography for a More Secure Future

In a major step forward for cybersecurity, IPFire 2.29 integrates post-quantum cryptography into its IPsec VPN tunnels.

The implementation of the Module-Lattice-Based Key-Encapsulation Mechanism (ML-KEM) ensures stronger security, even against potential adversaries wielding advanced quantum computing technology.

The update makes this encryption method the default for new tunnels in combination with modern elliptic curve algorithms (Curve448, Curve25519), RSA-4096, and other NIST-certified cryptographic standards.

Existing tunnels can also be updated to use these advanced security configurations via the advanced settings page.

Additionally, IPFire has refined its default cipher list to prioritize robust encryption protocols such as AES-256 (GCM and CBC modes) and ChaCha20-Poly1305, while AES-128 has been dropped to enhance security compatibility with modern hardware.

This ensures businesses and users are well-equipped for the evolving cybersecurity landscape of 2025 and beyond.

System-Wide Toolchain and Firmware Upgrades

This update also modernizes IPFire’s core system components, including an upgrade to glibc 2.41 and Binutils 2.44.

These enhancements enable IPFire to generate highly efficient code tailored to the latest hardware features, ensuring optimal performance and security reliability at the operating system level.

A range of firmware and microcode updates have also been applied, addressing critical vulnerabilities such as INTEL-SA-01213 and other security issues.

Notable Improvements and Additions

Beyond the major cryptographic and system upgrades, IPFire 2.29 also includes:

• The removal of the discontinued Botnet C2 blocklist from Abuse.ch.
• A fix for a certificate renewal bug affecting IPsec host certificates.
• Aesthetic upgrades to the Firewall Groups page credited to contributor Stephen Cuka.
• The addition of DNS-over-TLS to the list of default services.

Updated Software and Add-ons

Key software packages have been upgraded, including Apache 2.4.63, StrongSwan 6.0.0, and Squid 6.13. Add-ons such as HAProxy 3.1.2, Git 2.48.1, and Samba 4.21.4 also receive notable updates, ensuring compatibility with the latest features.

The IPFire team expressed gratitude to its global community for their ongoing contributions, including code submissions, bug reports, and peer support.

To sustain its momentum as a leading open-source firewall, the team invites users to consider donating or becoming project sponsors.

This update is a testament to IPFire’s commitment to security and innovation. Users are encouraged to update immediately to leverage these advancements.

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