[SECURITY] firefox-patch-bin, librewolf-fix-bin and zen-browser-patched-bin AUR packages contain malware - Aur-general - lists.archlinux.org
lists.archlinux.org

On the 16th of July, at around 8pm UTC+2, a malicious AUR package was uploaded to the AUR. Two other malicious packages were uploaded by the same user a few hours later. These packages were installing a script coming from the same GitHub repository that was identified as a Remote Access Trojan (RAT).

The affected malicious packages are:

  • librewolf-fix-bin
  • firefox-patch-bin
  • zen-browser-patched-bin

The Arch Linux team addressed the issue as soon as they became aware of the situation. As of today, 18th of July, at around 6pm UTC+2, the offending packages have been deleted from the AUR.

We strongly encourage users that may have installed one of these packages to remove them from their system and to take the necessary measures in order to ensure they were not compromised.

Follow up

There are more packages with this malware found.

  • minecraft-cracked
  • ttf-ms-fonts-all
  • vesktop-bin-patched
  • ttf-all-ms-fonts

What to do

If you installed any of these packages, check your running processes for one named systemd-initd (this is the RAT).

The suspicious packages have a patch from this now-inaccessible Codeberg repo: https://codeberg.org/arch_lover3/browser-patch

The Arch maintainers have been informed of all this already and are investigating.

    • DirkMcCallahan@lemmy.world
      1·
      11 months ago

      This is why I felt uncomfortable when I first switched to Linux and kept reading that I didn’t need to worry about viruses as long as I didn’t click on dodgy links and only installed from trusted sources. I’m sure I’m betraying my lack of security knowledge here, but that always seemed a bit too easy.

      • Fecundpossum@lemmy.worldEnglish
        2·
        11 months ago

        The AUR, key words “user repository” is a specific weak point. It doesn’t have the same level of oversight that the main arch repo has. Stick to main repos and verified flatpaks and it’s very unlikely that you’d ever be compromised.

        Linux isn’t perfect, but it’s certainly better than windows where you just download executables willy nilly to install your software.

        • copygirl@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
          3·
          11 months ago

          most of the the Arch cult forget to mention that

          The “Arch cult’s” holy book, the ArchWiki, states the following pretty clearly:

          Warning: AUR packages are user-produced content. These PKGBUILDs are completely unofficial and have not been thoroughly vetted. Any use of the provided files is at your own risk.

          Mention of one’s use of the AUR for their needs doesn’t need to come with a disclaimer.
          People who don’t read or don’t use their brain are going to keep not doing so, regardless.

        • slackness@lemmy.ml
          1·
          11 months ago

          At the very least aur must verify you are associated with the domain name of the project, same as flathub.

            • slackness@lemmy.ml
              1·
              11 months ago

              flathub still allows unverified submissions which is what I proposed. So, no, it wouldn’t.

        • caseyweederman@lemmy.ca
          0·
          11 months ago

          Half the posts on the Internet are people replying to requests for help with the message “read the wiki, the aur isn’t a trusted source, dummy”

  • redxef@feddit.org
    1·
    11 months ago

    To check your system for those packages (assuming you are using bash):

    comm -1 -2 <(pacman -Q | awk '{print $1}' | sort) <(sort vulnerable_packages.txt)

    With vulnerable_packages.txt containing one package name per line.

  • oo1@lemmings.worldEnglish
    1·
    11 months ago

    I already assumed aur was riddled with stuff like that.

    Use a condom when fucking around in there.

  • Mwa@thelemmy.clubEnglish
    1·
    11 months ago

    I kinda watch the Arch devs packaged more stuff rather then relying on thr aur,Chaotic-aur (third party repo) solves mostly.

  • AceFuzzLord@lemmy.zip
    0·
    11 months ago

    minecraft-cracked

    Gotta assume that if any Arch users actually fell for that one, that they either let their kids use their device or they’re generally not smart ( which absolutely goes against my stereotypical view of an arch user ).

    • pfr@lemmy.sdf.org
      0·
      11 months ago

      The stereotype of arch uses generally being smart is no longer. The “I use arch btw” meme brought a whole new user base to arch. You’ll find them on r/unixporn showing off their hyperland rice that they copied from some other user…

      • moseschrute@lemmy.mlEnglish
        1·
        11 months ago

        I had no idea that existed but I’ve just returned from r/unixporn. There are some sick setups. Also we all copy. My entire neovim config is copied and modified from a couple dozen setups I admired. Nothing wrong with copying things you like. Don’t gate keep Linux.

        However… Minecraft cracked is pretty funny lol.

  • Ulrich@feddit.orgEnglish
    0·
    11 months ago

    The affected malicious packages are:

    librewolf-fix-bin firefox-patch-bin zen-browser-patched-bin

    So…did someone just like create a new package cloning these or did they somehow get into the “official” repository? Is there no attestation process?

  • mazzilius_marsti@lemmy.world
    0·
    11 months ago

    the firefox, zen browser and libre wolf packages are concerning. The ttf ms font too. Those are very normal apps and unless you pay attention to the package name when doing “pacman -Syu”, you would fall for the malware.

    If only we can compartmentalize all AUR packages. The download AUR sources iirc are already in something like $HOME/.paru. Installing is a different story, because these packages can put their executable all over the places: /usr/local/bin, $HOME/local/bin.

    • SayCyberOnceMore@feddit.uk
      English
      1·
      11 months ago

      With respect, you wouldn’t install these by just doing an update, so pacman -Syu is fine.

      You would have needed to install these manually, or a package that depended on them - both from AUR - so you’d also need to use yay (etc) to install them.

      But - I totally agree with your points that tge names look innocent enough for someone to install those over other packages.

      Always look at the AUR (website) at the package details - if it’s new(ish) and has 0 or 1 votes, then be suspicious.