CVE-2014-0478: APT before 1.0.4 does not properly validate source packages, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to do...

Security readout for executives and security teams

This flaw affects APT before 1.0.4, the package manager used by Debian-family systems. A network attacker able to interfere with package retrieval could bypass source package validation by stripping the Release signature, potentially causing Trojaned source packages to be downloaded and installed. Exposure is most likely on legacy Debian or Ubuntu systems, build hosts, or automation that still uses APT versions before 1.0.4 for source package retrieval. Modern patched systems are less likely exposed. Prioritize remediation for legacy Linux build and server environments. The business risk is supply-chain compromise through trusted package workflows, but current evidence does not show active exploitation in the provided sources. Mitigation focus: Upgrade APT to a vendor-fixed version, at least 1.0.4 where applicable.; Apply Debian or Ubuntu security updates from the referenced advisories.; Retire or isolate unsupported systems that cannot receive APT security updates..

Prepared

Jun 14, 2026, 14:16 UTC (UTC+00:00)

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.