A member of the security community has correctly pointed out that two packages in Red Hat Linux 7.2 are lacking a GPG signature: rpm-release (the label of the release) and rpmdb (the manifest of the release). Neither package contains executable code as shipped. The absence of this signature makes it possible for an attacker to create packages of the same name which, when downloaded and installed, could be used to exploit a system (though there have not been any known exploits at this time).
System administrators who do not install unsigned packages will not be affected by this issue. System adminstrators who obtain Red Hat Linux via CD or ISO image are able to verify the MD5 checksum (provided as part of the CD or ISO image) manually, but may be inconvenienced by the lack of a GPG signature. Note that all updates received via Red Hat Network are always automatically verified to have the Red Hat GPG signature intact.
In less than 24 hours, Red Hat has corrected this problem by signing these two packages and creating errata packages with GPG signatures. These packages are available immediately via Red Hat Network and public FTP sites.
Red Hat takes all security concerns seriously, and we value the contribution of the security community in helping us identify and correct potential security problems.
- About Red Hat
Red Hat is the world’s leading provider of open source software solutions, using a community-powered approach to reliable and high-performing cloud, Linux, middleware, storage and virtualization technologies. Red Hat also offers award-winning support, training, and consulting services. As the connective hub in a global network of enterprises, partners, and open source communities, Red Hat helps create relevant, innovative technologies that liberate resources for growth and prepare customers for the future of IT. Learn more at http://www.redhat.com.
- Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: risks related to delays or reductions in information technology spending; the effects of industry consolidation; the ability of the Company to compete effectively; the integration of acquisitions and the ability to market successfully acquired technologies and products; uncertainty and adverse results in litigation and related settlements; the inability to adequately protect Company intellectual property and the potential for infringement or breach of license claims of or relating to third party intellectual property; the ability to deliver and stimulate demand for new products and technological innovations on a timely basis; risks related to data and information security vulnerabilities; ineffective management of, and control over, the Company’s growth and international operations; fluctuations in exchange rates; and changes in and a dependence on key personnel, as well as other factors contained in our most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (copies of which may be accessed through the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov), including those found therein under the captions "Risk Factors" and "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations". In addition to these factors, actual future performance, outcomes, and results may differ materially because of more general factors including (without limitation) general industry and market conditions and growth rates, economic and political conditions, governmental and public policy changes and the impact of natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company’s views as of the date of this press release and these views could change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.
