Linux security advisory

Number: AV19-253
Date: 7 November 2019

Several Linux distributions have released security updates to address vulnerabilities in their respective operating systems. Of note is a vulnerability VulnerabilityA flaw or weakness in the design or implementation of an information system or its environment that could be exploited to adversely affect an organization's assets or operations. in Libarchive that could allow an actor to execute arbitrary code on a system by deceiving a user to decompress a malicious archive file crafted to exploit the vulnerability. Some operating systems utilize Libarchive by default, including but not limited to Debian, Ubuntu, Gentoo, Arch Linux, FreeBSD, and NetBSD.

Several security bulletins have been released and the Cyber Centre encourages users and administrators to review the applicable bulletins listed below and apply the necessary updates. Please note that other versions of Linux may also be affected.

Debian: https://www.debian.org/security/2019/dsa-4557
Ubuntu: https://usn.ubuntu.com/4169-1/
Gentoo: https://bugs.gentoo.org/show_bug.cgi?id=CVE-2019-18408
Arch Linux: https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?sort=&q=libarchive&maintainer=&flagged=

Note to Readers

The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security Cyber securityThe protection of digital information, as well as the integrity of the infrastructure housing and transmitting digital information. More specifically, cyber security includes the body of technologies, processes, practices and response and mitigation measures designed to protect networks, computers, programs and data from attack, damage or unauthorized access so as to ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability. (Cyber Centre) operates as part of the Communications Security Establishment.  We are Canada’s national authority on cyber security and we lead the government’s response to cyber security events. As Canada's national computer security incident response team, the Cyber Centre works in close collaboration with government departments, critical infrastructure Critical infrastructureProcesses, systems, facilities, technologies, networks, assets, and services essential to the health, safety, security, or economic well-being of Canadians and the effective functioning of government. Critical infrastructure can be stand-alone or interconnected and interdependent within and across provinces, territories, and national borders. Disruptions of critical infrastructure could result in catastrophic loss of life, adverse economic effects, and significant harm to public confidence. , Canadian businesses and international partners to prepare for, respond to, mitigate, and recover from cyber events. We do this by providing authoritative advice and support, and coordinating information sharing and incident response. The Cyber Centre is outward-facing, welcoming partnerships that help build a stronger, more resilient cyber space in Canada.