Late Night Linux
Late Night Linux – Episode 276
Apr 7, 2024
A backdoor in xz-utils causing SSH server compromises, community efforts to address the issue, delays in software releases, and upcoming Linux events in the UK. OggCamp details shared by Gary. Vulnerabilities in open source projects, security measures, and challenges in project management discussed.
29:07
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Quick takeaways
- The discovery of the XZ Utils backdoor showcases the importance of community-driven security efforts in open-source projects.
- The incident underscores the significance of transparency and thorough scrutiny in identifying and addressing vulnerabilities in software development.
Deep dives
XZ Utils Backdoor Discovery
A backdoor in XZ Utils was uncovered by a Microsoft employee named Andreas Find during his free time. The sophisticated backdoor, introduced by someone using the alias G.A. Tan, was carefully integrated into XZ Utils over time, granting SSH access with a specific private key. This backdoor made its way into various distributions like Debian, Fedora, and almost into Ubuntu 24.04, leading to a delay in the Ubuntu 24.04 beta release.
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