OpenSSH 5.2 Secured and Tuned
Even though the OpenSSH project emphasizes that the focus of 5.2 is bug fixes to the 5.1 version, 5.2 does contain some notable enhancements.
Security-wise the new OpenSSH version replaces cipher block chaining (CBC) mode as the default cipher order with the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) Counter (CTR) mode to remove the susceptibility to "Plaintext Recovery Attack Against SSH." The software also adds other countermeasures to these attacks, as reported in CPNI Vulnerability Advisory SSH 957037. Last November it became clear that many versions of OpenSSH exposed up to 32 bits of plaintext ciphertext to attackers when the default CBC mode was in use. The solution in 5.2 was to read the maximum supported packet length instead of terminating the connection, thereby eliminating the leaks that allowed the plaintext recovery attacks.
Compared to OpenSSH 5.1, the updated version provides further command line options and minor functional enhancements. For example, the ssh -y option redirects logging to syslog and dynamic port forwarding was improved. The release changelog includes the list of fixed bugs.
OpenSSH emanates from the OpenBSD project, where a separate team focuses on OpenSSH's portability to different systems. The mirrors with the portable versions also include diffs against the OpenBSD source.
Issue 237/2020
Buy this issue as a PDF
News
-
openSUSE Leap 15.2 Adds AI Machine Learning
With the new release of openSUSE Leap comes some exciting new features, including machine learning.
-
Google’s Nearby Sharing Could Work with Linux
Google’s answer to Apple’s AirDrop feature is rumored to work with the Linux desktop.
-
System76 Launches Ryzen-Powered Laptop
The new System76 Serval WS includes a powerful AMD Ryzen CPU.
-
Linux Mint Drops Snap
Linux Mint has officially dropped their support for Canonical’s snap packages.
-
Lenovo Upping Their Linux Support
Lenovo is now offering full certification and Linux preinstalled hardware.
-
LPI Launches FOSSlife Website
Linux Professional Institute launches FOSSlife, a website for the FOSS community.
-
Tuxedo Computers Joins the Ryzen Bandwagon
Tuxedo Computers has released the Tuxedo Boot BA15 with an AMD Ryzen 3500 CPU.
-
Linux Apps on Windows Is Coming
Linux GUI apps will be coming to Windows Subsystem for Linux.
-
Linux Usage Is on the Rise
According to NetMarketShare, Linux saw a significant bump in usage during April.
-
Lenovo is Jumping on the Linux Laptop Bandwagon
PC and laptop maker Lenovo is set to release ThinkPad laptops pre-installed with Fedora Linux.