Description
PowerDNS Recursor before 3.1.6 does not always use the strongest random number generator for source port selection, which makes it easier for remote attack vectors to conduct DNS cache poisoning. NOTE: this is related to incomplete integration of security improvements associated with addressing CVE-2008-1637.
Fixed in Linux distributions
Distributions backport fixes, so the version that fixes this vulnerability differs per release — upgrade to at least the version shown. From the distributions' security trackers and advisories.
Debian
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian 14 | pdns-recursor | 3.1.7-1 | — |
| Debian 13 | pdns-recursor | 3.1.7-1 | — |
| Debian 12 | pdns-recursor | 3.1.7-1 | — |
| Debian 4.0 | pdns-recursor | 3.1.4-1+etch2 | DSA-1544-2 |
Advisories 1
- DSA-1544-2 pdns-recursor - predictable randomness Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
References
- [oss-security] 20080716 Re: CVE request: PowerDNS recursor source port randomization mailing-list
- http://wiki.powerdns.com/cgi-bin/trac.fcgi/changeset/1179
- 31311 third-party-advisory
- [oss-security] 20080709 CVE request: PowerDNS recursor source port randomization mailing-list
- [oss-security] 20080710 Re: DNS vulnerability: other relevant software mailing-list
- http://doc.powerdns.com/changelog.html#CHANGELOG-RECURSOR-3-1-6
- powerdns-recursor-rng-weak-security(43925) vdb-entry
- FEDORA-2008-6893 vendor-advisory
- 30782 vdb-entry