python-apt regression

22 January 2020

python-apt regression

A security issue affects these releases of Ubuntu and its derivatives:

• Ubuntu 19.10
• Ubuntu 19.04
• Ubuntu 18.04 LTS
• Ubuntu 16.04 LTS

Summary

USN-4247-1 introduced a regression in python-apt.

Software Description

• python-apt - Python interface to libapt-pkg

Details

USN-4247-1 fixed vulnerabilities in python-apt. The updated packages caused a regression when attempting to upgrade to a new Ubuntu release. This update fixes the problem.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

Original advisory details:

It was discovered that python-apt would still use MD5 hashes to validate certain downloaded packages. If a remote attacker were able to perform a man-in-the-middle attack, this flaw could potentially be used to install altered packages. (CVE-2019-15795)

It was discovered that python-apt could install packages from untrusted repositories, contrary to expectations. (CVE-2019-15796)

Update instructions

The problem can be corrected by updating your system to the following package versions:

Ubuntu 19.10

python-apt - 1.9.0ubuntu1.3

python3-apt - 1.9.0ubuntu1.3

Ubuntu 19.04

python-apt - 1.8.5~ubuntu0.3

python3-apt - 1.8.5~ubuntu0.3

Ubuntu 18.04 LTS

python-apt - 1.6.5ubuntu0.2

python3-apt - 1.6.5ubuntu0.2

Ubuntu 16.04 LTS

python-apt - 1.1.0~beta1ubuntu0.16.04.8

python3-apt - 1.1.0~beta1ubuntu0.16.04.8

To update your system, please follow these instructions: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Security/Upgrades.

In general, a standard system update will make all the necessary changes.

References

• USN-4247-1
• LP: 1860606