Linux distribution packaging and Bitcoin
This note summarises the dangers inherent in the Linux distribution packaging model for Bitcoin, and forms a request from upstream maintainers to not distribute Bitcoin node software as part of distribution package repositories without understanding the special requirements of Bitcoin. Distributors typically unbundle internal libraries and apply other....
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The systemd vulnerability was discovered by Andrew Ayer, Founder of SSLMate. With one line of code, containing just 48 characters, he can crash nearly aLinuxnux distribution. Bitcoin users who are running a Linux distribution may want to take special notice. A recently discovered vulnerability will crash nearly any Linux distro in circulation. All it takes is 48 characters of code to exploit a vulnerability in the systemd component. This process is integral to the boot process of nearly every lInux distribution in the world today. While most “advanced’ computer users rely on Linux for....
This is Part I of a two-part series looking into the debut of the TREZOR hardware wallet. This first part will cover the delivery, packaging, and hardware aspects of the device. Part II will cover the software aspects, just as soon as I have a better opportunity to work with the device. Like many other people around the world, I managed to receive a very special package in the mail this week. Addressed to NEWSBTC, it originated in the Czech Republic, and it's come a far way to the Eastern coast of the United States. Right off the bat, the first thing I noticed was how small the envelope I....
For many years, a lot of people assumed Linux was one of the most secure operating systems in the world. Due to its smaller market share, and completely different codebase from Windows, Linux has been rather safe from major virii and malware. However, there is one simple exploit that lets an assailant breach a Linux machine by pressing the backspace 28 times in a row. Two Spanish security researchers discovered this strange – and very unusual – Linux bug by tapping a specific key more than once in quick succession. Unlike in most cases where computers are involved, smashing the same button....
Do you use decentralized, open source software? The US government considers you an extremist. According to leaked documents related to the XKeyscore spying program, the National Security Agency (NSA) flags as an “extremist” anyone who uses Tor or Tails Linux, or who subscribes to Linux Journal. The potentially huge scope of the “extremist” label. The XKeyscore program, which considers Tails Linux distribution as “a comsec mechanism advocated by extremists on extremist forums”, has the potential to target a large pool of users. It tracks visits to a plethora of sites including Centurian,....
February 21, 2016 – The website of the second most popular Linux distribution, Linux Mint, has been hacked to point users to an altered installation image with a backdoor and malicious software pre-loaded. Their primary site and Forums are down at the moment as well, due to repeated intrusions by these hackers. The distro is popular among the Cryptocurrency mining community as a platform for running GPU mining software packages, and this security breach could affect users trying to upgrade their operating systems on these computers, giving the hackers access to their personal information....