[Bug 207348] [NEW] initramfs overloads panic= kernel command line hiding functionality

[Jeremy Jackson]

Public bug reported:

Binary package hint: initramfs-tools

In Hardy and probably earlier, initramfs /scripts/functions panic()
function parses kernel command line for panic= syntax, and emulates
kernel's reboot behaviour if panic=0.

If panic is set to greater than 0, presumably to let the operator read
some error messages before automatic reboot on panic, such as when root
filesystem can't be mounted (common enough), the initrd defeats the
automatic reboot in the case where an initramfs routine calls panic() in
/scripts/functions, dropping to a shell with no timeout.  This makes
panic= *reduce* reliability for servers, not increase it.

perhaps 
   if [ "${panic}" = 0 ]; then
                reboot

should just check if panic is set, or alternatively, use a different
parameter such as rdpanic= to allow using kernel's own panic= argument.

** Affects: initramfs-tools (Ubuntu)
     Importance: Undecided
         Status: New

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initramfs overloads panic= kernel command line hiding functionality
https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/207348
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