- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
GENTOO LINUX SECURITY ANNOUNCEMENT 200312-01
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

GLSA:        200312-01
summary:     rsync.gentoo.org rotation server compromised
severity:    normal
date:        2003-12-02
CVE:         None
exploit:     remote

DESCRIPTION:

On December 2nd at approximately 03:45 UTC, one of the servers that makes up
the rsync.gentoo.org rotation was compromised via a remote exploit.  At this
point, we are still performing forensic analysis.  However, the compromised
system had both an IDS and a file integrity checker installed and we have a
very detailed forensic trail of what happened once the box was breached, so
weare reasonably confident that the portage tree stored on that box
wasunaffected.  

The attacker appears to have installed a rootkit and modified/deleted some
files to cover their tracks, but left the server otherwise untouched. The box
was in a compromised state for approximately one hour before it was
discovered and shut down. During this time, approximately 20 users
synchronized against the portage mirror stored on this box. The method used
to gain access to the box remotely is still under investigation.  We will
release more details once we have ascertained the cause of the remote
exploit.  

This box is not an official Gentoo infrastructure box and is instead donated
by a sponsor. The box provides other services as well and the sponsor has
requested that we not publicly identify the box at this time. Because the
Gentoo part of this box appears to be unaffected by this exploit, we are
currently honoring the sponsor's request.  That said, if at any point, we
determine that any file in the portage tree was modified in any way, we will
release full details about the compromised server.  

SOLUTION:

Again, based on the forensic analysis done so far, we are reasonably
confident that no files within the Portage tree on the box were affected.
However, the server has been removed from all rsync.*.gentoo.org rotations
and will remain so until the forensic analysis has been completed and the box
has been wiped and rebuilt. Thus, users preferring an extra level of security
may ensure that they have a correct and accurate portage tree by running:

emerge sync

Which will perform a sync against another server and ensure that all files
are up to date.

Review: Logging and Log Management

Posted on 22 May 2013.  |  Every security practitioner should be aware of the overwhelming advantages of logging and perusing logs for discovering system intrusions. But logging and log management comes with its own set of difficulties.

Experts highlight top data breach vulnerabilities

Posted on 22 May 2013.  |  Hidden vulnerabilities lie in everyday activities that can expose personal information and lead to data breach, including buying gas with a credit card or wearing a pacemaker.

A closer look at Mega cloud storage

Posted on 21 May 2013.  |  Once a novelty, nowadays many cloud storage services are fighting for their piece of the market in the virtual world. Mega offers 50GB of free space with great pricing on Pro accounts.

The CSO perspective on healthcare security and compliance

Posted on 20 May 2013.  |  Randall Gamby is the CSO of the Medicaid Information Service Center of New York. In this interview he discusses healthcare security and compliance challenges and offers a variety of tips.

Cyber espionage campaign uses professionally-made malware

Posted on 20 May 2013.  |  A massive cyber espionage campaign has been hitting government ministries, IT companies, academic research institutions, and more.