Re: [Full-disclosure] Ubuntu: reseed(8), random.org, and HTTP request

On Tue, Jul 5, 2011 at 9:04 PM, Jeffrey Walton <noloader@gmail.com> wrote:
> Ubuntu's reseed(8) can be used to seed the PRNG state of a host. The
> script is run when the package installed, and anytime su executes the
> script.

... someone thought this was a good idea.
 [an entropy pool remotely biased by MitM attacker, maybe?]


> reseed(8) performs a unsecured HTTP request to random.org for its
> bits, despite random.org offering HTTPS services.

https doesn't help if your host entropy pool is poorly seeded.
 [SSL/TLS needs entropy for authenticity/privacy.]


> The Ubuntu Security Team took no interest when contacted by email (no
> reply); the point of contact listed in the man pages took no interest
> when contacted by email (no reply); and a launcher bug report was not
> acted upon (https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/reseed/+bug/804594).

you're surprised?
 [you must be new around here!]