Oh dear, the situation with the Arch Linux AUR got a fair bit worse since GamingOnLinux initially covered the malicious packages.
  • tired_fedora@lemmy.ml
    526·
    2 months ago

    TLDR: Open package repositories without some approval and oversight system, like AUR, will have even more problems in the future due to advanced coding AI and malicious foreign hackers.

    Edit: Please normalize TLDR’s on bot posts with just a link.

    Edit 2: I have been rightfully informed that this is not a bot post. I still think links should not be posted without a tiny abstract, one might say: a TLDR.

    I have also been informed that the text does not spell out “foreign”. This is correct. The text does say

    Not all of the packaging issues are as bad as the initial wave of trying to steal credentials, some are just adding ridiculous messages in Russian.

    This implies but does not establish the nationality of attackers. While Arch has contributors from all over the world, it is commonly cited as being a Canadian distribution (example, see below). https://distrowatch.com/table-mobile.php?distribution=arch

  • GaumBeist@lemmy.ml
    14·
    2 months ago

    At least some level of human review is going to be needed.

    So… completely negating the point of a User Repository??? Introduce some kind of authoritative oversight, and it’s essentially just another regular repository, erasing all the benefits of the AUR. The whole point of the distro slapping a huge disclaimer of “DISCLAIMER: AUR packages are user produced content. Any use of the provided files is at your own risk.” at the top of the homepage is because these kind of compromises are the trade-off one makes

  • VirtuePacket@lemmy.zip
    112·
    2 months ago

    I think I’d be satisfied with just not allowing people to take over orphaned packages. That seems like a glaring attack vector and closing it would not harm the AUR in any way.

    And yea, arch (and its derivatives) probably should not ship with AUR helpers pre-installed.

    • Kazel@lemmy.dbzer0.com
      13·
      2 months ago

      arch doesn’t ship an aur helper pre installed. It’s the derivates leeching the arch aur infrastructure and preinstalling aur helpers suggesting it’s safe to use as is

  • Sonalder@lemmy.ml
    145·
    2 months ago

    AUR has never been a good idea. I don’t use it and this news proved me right.

    Does that mean a distro official package manager would be immune to infections? Of course not, but they do offer a more secure distribution system and build greater trust. Minimizing the chance of malware being spread through their means.

    Edit: If you have the knowledge and time to inspect the AUR packages you install, AUR might be good for you. I have none of these, that’s why I stick to my official distro packages (and sometimes also some flatpak but from official sources)

    • f3nyx@lemmy.ml
      161·
      2 months ago

      Debian users should receive their news 6-12 months after everyone else, change my mind

      /s

    • DasSkelett@discuss.tchncs.de
      82·
      2 months ago

      Huh, you really feel schadenfreude over another reputable project being hit by/having to deal with malware? And all the people who might be affected by it?

      That is not something that would ever cross my mind.

    • SocialistVibes01@lemmy.ml
      4·
      2 months ago

      Whoa, this is blowing up. Chill, guys. I really think that sucks. If anything, with Arch being bleeding edge and all of that, at least you’re showing early the tough wake up the other distros will have to do in relation to malware after Linux’ increasing popularity. Time to brush those SELinux and apparmor bits, even.

      But, now, we Debian users are okay, (btw, 😎).

    • myszka@lemmy.ml
      31·
      2 months ago

      Me, a NixOS user, watching folks fighting over a bunch of legacy distros 😎😎😎

  • MonkderVierte@lemmy.zip
    4·
    2 months ago

    But why? Arch isn’t a server distro and their users usually know how to keep their secrets save. A FUD campaign?