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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Thinking of leaving Manjaro after the AUR supply chain attack – Distrochooser recommends SUSE, what's your take? (distrochooser.de)

submitted 3 weeks ago by PumpkinDrama@reddthat.com to c/linux@lemmy.ml

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With the recent AUR supply-chain attack that compromised over 400 (and possibly up to 1,500) packages, I'm seriously considering switching distros. Attackers took over orphaned packages and modified PKGBUILDs to pull in malicious npm dependencies like atomic-lockfile, which deployed credential-stealing malware and even eBPF rootkits. The fact that the trusted packages themselves didn't look malicious makes this especially concerning.

Like many Arch users, I'll admit I don't carefully read every PKGBUILD before installing from the AUR. The official recommendation has always been to review them manually, but realistically, who does that for every package? This incident made me realize I've been relying on trust rather than vigilance.

I've been on Manjaro for years specifically because of the AUR's vastness, but this attack directly undermines that selling point for me. I ran the Distrochooser to see what else is out there, and it strongly recommended openSUSE as my top match: https://distrochooser.de/en/d5b4e0067841/

For those who've made the jump from Arch/Manjaro to openSUSE Tumbleweed (or Leap): How was the transition? How does the OBS compare to the AUR in terms of package availability for niche software?

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[–] AcornTickler@sh.itjust.works 4 points 3 weeks ago

That's not what a supply chain attack is. No part of Arch Linux or derivatives depend on AUR and you don't have to use it.

The attack simply highlights oversights in adoption of orphaned packages and those need to be addressed for sure.

I have always tried to keep my AUR packages to a minimum (a few packages at most), and always read their PKGBUILDs and updates to them. Today, I don't use any AUR package as all the ones I need are now packaged in official repos.