USN-4247-3: python-apt vulnerabilities

Publication date

23 January 2020

Overview

Several security issues were fixed in python-apt.


Packages

Details

USN-4247-1 fixed several vulnerabilities in python-apt. This update
provides the corresponding updates for Ubuntu 12.04 ESM and Ubuntu 14.04 ESM.

Original advisory details:

It was discovered that python-apt would still use MD5 hashes to validate
certain downloaded packages. If a remote attacker were able to perform a
machine-in-the-middle attack, this flaw could potentially be used to install
altered packages. (CVE-2019-15795)

It was discovered that python-apt could install packages from untrusted
repositories, contrary to expectations. (CVE-2019-15796)

USN-4247-1 fixed several vulnerabilities in python-apt. This update
provides the corresponding updates for Ubuntu 12.04 ESM and Ubuntu 14.04 ESM.

Original advisory details:

It was discovered that python-apt would still use MD5 hashes to validate
certain downloaded packages. If a remote attacker were able to perform a
machine-in-the-middle attack, this flaw could potentially be used to install
altered packages. (CVE-2019-15795)

It was discovered that python-apt could install packages from untrusted
repositories, contrary to expectations. (CVE-2019-15796)

Update instructions

In general, a standard system update will make all the necessary changes.

Learn more about how to get the fixes.

The problem can be corrected by updating your system to the following package versions:

Ubuntu Release Package Version
14.04 trusty python-apt –  0.9.3.5ubuntu3+esm2
python3-apt –  0.9.3.5ubuntu3+esm2
12.04 precise python-apt –  0.8.3ubuntu7.5
python3-apt –  0.8.3ubuntu7.5

Reduce your security exposure

Ubuntu Pro provides ten-year security coverage to 25,000+ packages in Main and Universe repositories, and it is free for up to five machines.


Have additional questions?

Talk to a member of the team ›