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4.3

dpkg on Debian/Ubuntu can skip source package signature

CVE-2015-0840 · published 11 years ago
Summary

The dpkg tool used to install source packages on Debian and Ubuntu can be tricked into ignoring the package's digital signature when given a specially crafted control file. This means an attacker could install altered or malicious code that appears legitimate. Update dpkg to the latest version or apply the vendor's security patch to restore proper signature verification.

What to do

The CVE record does not list a fixed version. Check the vendor's site or the advisory links below - a fix may already be released.

Affected software
VendorProductAffected versions
debian dpkg <= 1.16.15
1.17.0
1.17.1
1.17.2
1.17.3
1.17.4
1.17.5
1.17.6
1.17.7
1.17.8
1.17.9
1.17.10
14 more version ranges
cpe:2.3:a:debian:dpkg:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
canonical ubuntu_linux 10.04
12.04
14.04
14.10
cpe:2.3:o:canonical:ubuntu_linux:10.04:*:*:*:lts:*:*:*
Original advisory text
The dpkg-source command in Debian dpkg before 1.16.16 and 1.17.x before 1.17.25 allows remote attackers to bypass signature verification via a crafted Debian source control file (.dsc).
The dpkg-source command in Debian dpkg before 1.16.16 and 1.17.x before 1.17.25 allows remote attackers to bypass signature verification via a crafted Debian source control file (.dsc).
References
Fix within
Internet-facing 60 days
Internal At next upgrade
  • Not known to be exploited
  • Needs hands-on effort to exploit (estimated)
  • Gives an attacker partial control (estimated)
Severity
4.3 Medium
Exploitation
2% chance of attack within 30 days
Type
CWE-284Improper Access Control
Timeline
Published13 Apr 2015
Updated3 Nov 2026
First seen29 Sep 2026
Sources
CVE-2015-0840 · NVD
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