Description
The read_config_file function in lib/hesiod.c in Hesiod 3.2.1 falls back to the ".athena.mit.edu" default domain when opening the configuration file fails, which allows remote attackers to gain root privileges by poisoning the DNS cache.
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 | hesiod | 3.2.1-3.1 | — |
| Debian 13 | hesiod | 3.2.1-3.1 | — |
| Debian 12 | hesiod | 3.2.1-3.1 | — |
| Debian 7 | hesiod | 3.0.2-21+deb7u1 | DLA-796-1 |
Ubuntu
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu 18.04 LTS | hesiod | 3.2.1-3.1~build0.18.04.1 | — |
| Ubuntu 16.04 LTS | hesiod | 3.2.1-3.1~build0.16.04.1 | — |
Advisories 1
- DLA-796-1 hesiod - security update Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026