OpenCourser brand icon
Sign in
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Pluralsight logo

XZ Backdoor Supply Chain Vulnerability

What You Should Know

Matthew Lloyd Davies and Aaron Rosenmund

Get to know how you might be affected by the XZ Utils backdoor vulnerability, and what you can do to assess and mitigate the impact.

Read more

Get to know how you might be affected by the XZ Utils backdoor vulnerability, and what you can do to assess and mitigate the impact.

This course discusses how a trusted Github collaborator implanted a backdoor into a popular Linux software tool used for compressing software packages such as release tarballs, kernel images and initramfs images, amongst other things. We’ll cover why it’s important and how you can risk-assess your exposure, as well as providing guidance on how to mitigate the risk.

Enroll now

Here's a deal for you

We found an offer that may be relevant to this course.
Save money when you learn. All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Valid for a limited time only
Future-proof your career
Access O'Reilly books, live events, courses, and more. Save with an annual subscription.
Take
15%
off

What's inside

Syllabus

XZ Backdoor Supply Chain Vulnerability: What You Should Know
Resources

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops skills and techniques for comprehending and mitigating backdoor vulnerabilities
Provides step-by-step guidance on how to mitigate risks
Taught by recognized experts in the field of cybersecurity
Highly relevant for IT professionals responsible for managing software security
Covers a critical topic in the field of cybersecurity
Taught on a platform that has a multi-modal and interactive learning environment

Save this course

Save XZ Backdoor Supply Chain Vulnerability: What You Should Know to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in XZ Backdoor Supply Chain Vulnerability: What You Should Know with these activities:
Get familiar with Linux OS
Practice using Linux to eliminate potential future roadblocks
Browse courses on Linux
Show steps
  • Install Linux on a virtual machine or a spare computer
  • Familiarize yourself with the command line
  • Use Linux to perform basic tasks like file management, software installation, and process management
Review your notes
Reviewing your current notes can help you refresh your memory on the topics covered in the course.
Show steps
  • Go over your notes from the course
Practice using Linux commands
Practicing Linux commands will help you develop the skills you need to navigate and interact with the system.
Browse courses on Linux
Show steps
  • Use the Linux command line to perform basic tasks, such as creating and navigating directories, and managing files
Eight other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Refamiliarize yourself with Linux essentials
Reviewing this book will refresh your Linux knowledge. This will give you a strong foundation for learning about the XZ Backdoor Supply Chain Vulnerability.
View Linux in a Nutshell on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read chapters 1, 3 & 5 on the basics of Linux, Filesystem, and Command Line Interfaces
Join a study group
Discussing the vulnerability with other students will help you understand it better and identify potential solutions.
Show steps
  • Form a study group with other students in the course
  • Meet regularly to discuss the course material and the vulnerability
Practice mitigating the vulnerability
Following online tutorials will help you develop the skills you need to mitigate the vulnerability.
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on 'mitigating XZ Backdoor Supply Chain Vulnerability'
  • Follow the steps in the tutorials to mitigate the vulnerability on a test system
Analyze XZ-compressed files with different tools
Test your understanding of XZ toolchains and linux commands
Browse courses on File Analysis
Show steps
  • Install XZ compressor and decompressor tools
  • Create different example scenarios of XZ-compressed archives
  • Analyze the contents of XZ archives using different tools like 'file' command, 'binwalk' tool, and 'strings' command
Document your learning journey
Writing blog posts or creating videos about what you're learning will help you retain the information and share it with others.
Show steps
  • Create a website or blog to share your articles, videos, and notes
  • Write a blog post each week summarizing what you've learned
Work through XZ backdoor vulnerability scenarios
Apply your knowledge of XZ to identify and mitigate real-world security risks
Browse courses on Vulnerability Assessment
Show steps
  • Review scenarios of how the XZ backdoor could be exploited
  • Use the knowledge gained from the course to assess the risk of the backdoor in different scenarios
  • Document your findings and recommendations for mitigating the vulnerability
Share your findings
Creating a presentation or report will help you synthesize your knowledge and share it with others.
Browse courses on Communication
Show steps
  • Develop a presentation or report on the XZ Backdoor Supply Chain Vulnerability
  • Share your presentation or report with your classmates or colleagues
Contribute to a related open-source project
Contributing to an open-source project gives you an opportunity to work on real-world security issues.
Browse courses on Open Source
Show steps
  • Identify an open-source project that is related to supply chain security
  • Find an issue or feature that you can contribute to
  • Submit a pull request to the project

Career center

Learners who complete XZ Backdoor Supply Chain Vulnerability: What You Should Know will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Security Analyst
Security Analysts are responsible for protecting computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, use, or harm. They monitor and analyze security threats, investigate security incidents, and develop and implement security measures to protect systems and data. This course may be useful for Security Analysts as it provides a detailed overview of the XZ Backdoor Supply Chain Vulnerability, a recent security threat that affected popular Linux software tools. Understanding this vulnerability and its potential impact can help Security Analysts better assess and mitigate risks to their systems and networks.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst
Cybersecurity Engineer
Cybersecurity Engineers design, implement, and maintain security systems to protect computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, use, or harm. They work with security analysts to monitor and analyze security threats, investigate security incidents, and develop and implement security measures to protect systems and data. This course may be useful for Cybersecurity Engineers as it provides a detailed overview of the XZ Backdoor Supply Chain Vulnerability, a recent security threat that affected popular Linux software tools. Understanding this vulnerability and its potential impact can help Cybersecurity Engineers better assess and mitigate risks to their systems and networks.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Engineer
Security Architect
Security Architects design and implement security architectures to protect computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, use, or harm. They work with security analysts and cybersecurity engineers to develop and implement security measures to protect systems and data. This course may be useful for Security Architects as it provides a detailed overview of the XZ Backdoor Supply Chain Vulnerability, a recent security threat that affected popular Linux software tools. Understanding this vulnerability and its potential impact can help Security Architects better design and implement secure security architectures.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Architect
DevSecOps Engineer
DevSecOps Engineers are responsible for integrating security into the software development process. They work with developers and security engineers to ensure that software systems are secure and free from vulnerabilities. This course may be useful for DevSecOps Engineers as it provides a detailed overview of the XZ Backdoor Supply Chain Vulnerability, a recent security threat that affected popular Linux software tools. Understanding this vulnerability and its potential impact can help DevSecOps Engineers better integrate security into the software development process.
See salaries and explore the career path for DevSecOps Engineer
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. They work with security engineers to ensure that software systems are secure and free from vulnerabilities. This course may be useful for Software Engineers as it provides a detailed overview of the XZ Backdoor Supply Chain Vulnerability, a recent security threat that affected popular Linux software tools. Understanding this vulnerability and its potential impact can help Software Engineers better design and develop secure software systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer
Network Security Engineer
Network Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security systems to protect computer networks from unauthorized access, use, or harm. They work with security analysts to monitor and analyze security threats, investigate security incidents, and develop and implement security measures to protect systems and data. This course may be useful for Network Security Engineers as it provides a detailed overview of the XZ Backdoor Supply Chain Vulnerability, a recent security threat that affected popular Linux software tools. Understanding this vulnerability and its potential impact can help Network Security Engineers better assess and mitigate risks to their networks.
See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts plan and implement security measures to protect an organization's information systems and data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course may be useful for Information Security Analysts as it provides a detailed overview of the XZ Backdoor Supply Chain Vulnerability, a recent security threat that affected popular Linux software tools. Understanding this vulnerability and its potential impact can help Information Security Analysts better assess and mitigate risks to their systems and data.
See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst
Vulnerability Analyst
Vulnerability Analysts identify, assess, and prioritize security vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, and software. They work with security engineers to develop and implement security measures to protect systems and data from unauthorized access, use, or harm. This course may be useful for Vulnerability Analysts as it provides a detailed overview of the XZ Backdoor Supply Chain Vulnerability, a recent security threat that affected popular Linux software tools. Understanding this vulnerability and its potential impact can help Vulnerability Analysts better identify, assess, and prioritize security vulnerabilities in software systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Vulnerability Analyst
Penetration Tester
Penetration Testers evaluate the security of computer systems, networks, and software by simulating attacks. They work with security engineers to identify and fix security vulnerabilities. This course may be useful for Penetration Testers as it provides a detailed overview of the XZ Backdoor Supply Chain Vulnerability, a recent security threat that affected popular Linux software tools. Understanding this vulnerability and its potential impact can help Penetration Testers better simulate attacks and identify security vulnerabilities.
See salaries and explore the career path for Penetration Tester
Chief Information Security Officer
Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) are responsible for the overall security of an organization's information systems and data. They work with security analysts, cybersecurity engineers, and other security professionals to develop and implement security measures to protect systems and data. This course may be useful for CISOs as it provides a detailed overview of the XZ Backdoor Supply Chain Vulnerability, a recent security threat that affected popular Linux software tools. Understanding this vulnerability and its potential impact can help CISOs better assess and mitigate risks to their systems and data.
See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Information Security Officer
Database Administrator
Database Administrators are responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of database systems. They work with security engineers to ensure that database systems are secure and free from vulnerabilities. This course may be useful for Database Administrators as it provides a detailed overview of the XZ Backdoor Supply Chain Vulnerability, a recent security threat that affected popular Linux software tools. Understanding this vulnerability and its potential impact can help Database Administrators better design and implement secure database systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator
Risk Analyst
Risk Analysts identify, assess, and prioritize risks to an organization's assets. They work with security analysts and cybersecurity engineers to develop and implement security measures to protect systems and data. This course may be useful for Risk Analysts as it provides a detailed overview of the XZ Backdoor Supply Chain Vulnerability, a recent security threat that affected popular Linux software tools. Understanding this vulnerability and its potential impact can help Risk Analysts better identify, assess, and prioritize risks to their systems and data.
See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Analyst
Security Consultant
Security Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on how to protect their computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, use, or harm. They work with security analysts and cybersecurity engineers to develop and implement security measures to protect systems and data. This course may be useful for Security Consultants as it provides a detailed overview of the XZ Backdoor Supply Chain Vulnerability, a recent security threat that affected popular Linux software tools. Understanding this vulnerability and its potential impact can help Security Consultants better advise and guide organizations on how to protect their systems and data.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Consultant
Cloud Security Engineer
Cloud Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security systems to protect cloud-based applications and data from unauthorized access, use, or harm. They work with security analysts and cybersecurity engineers to develop and implement security measures to protect systems and data. This course may be useful for Cloud Security Engineers as it provides a detailed overview of the XZ Backdoor Supply Chain Vulnerability, a recent security threat that affected popular Linux software tools. Understanding this vulnerability and its potential impact can help Cloud Security Engineers better assess and mitigate risks to their systems and data.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Security Engineer
Forensic Analyst
Forensic Analysts investigate computer crimes and security incidents. They work with security analysts and cybersecurity engineers to identify and fix security vulnerabilities. This course may be useful for Forensic Analysts as it provides a detailed overview of the XZ Backdoor Supply Chain Vulnerability, a recent security threat that affected popular Linux software tools. Understanding this vulnerability and its potential impact can help Forensic Analysts better investigate computer crimes and security incidents.
See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Analyst

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in XZ Backdoor Supply Chain Vulnerability: What You Should Know.
Security Strategies in Linux Platforms and...
Save
Linux System Security covers a variety of topics, from filesystem permissions to user account security, and discusses supply chain attacks.
Security Strategies in Linux Platforms and...
Hardcover
$$$$
Security Strategies in Linux Platforms and...
Paperback
$$$$
Cover image
The Art of Software Security Assessment
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of software security testing, and could help students understand how to test for vulnerabilities.
Art of Software Security Assessment, The:...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
CEH Certified Ethical Hacker Cert Guide
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of network security, and covers topics such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and virtual private networks.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Version 10 Cert...
Hardcover
$$
CEH Certified Ethical Hacker Cert Guide...
Hardcover
$$$
CEH Certified Ethical Hacker Cert Guide...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Cloud Security and Privacy
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of cloud security, and covers topics such as cloud security architecture, cloud security best practices, and cloud security tools.
Cloud Security and Privacy: An Enterprise...
Paperback
$$
Cloud Security and Privacy: An Enterprise...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Effective C, 2nd Edition
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of secure coding practices, and covers topics such as secure coding principles, secure coding best practices, and secure coding tools.
Effective C, 2nd Edition
Paperback
Check
Effective C, 2nd Edition
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Cryptography Engineering
Save
Provides a deep dive into cryptography, and would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the underlying principles of cryptography.
Cryptography Engineering: Design Principles and...
Paperback
$$
Cryptography Engineering: Design Principles and...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Linux Programming Interface
Save
Despite the title, this book provides significant coverage of the Linux kernel and the GNU C Library.
The Linux Programming Interface
Paperback
Check
The Linux Programming Interface
Kindle Edition
Check

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Reddit
X
Link
Email

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to XZ Backdoor Supply Chain Vulnerability: What You Should Know.
Palo Alto PAN-OS RCE Vulnerability: What You Should Know
Most relevant
Secure Software Supply Chain for CSSLP®
Most relevant
Performing Network Vulnerability Scanning with Nexpose
Information Systems Auditing: Information Systems...
Risk Management and Credit Principles
Anti-Money Laundering in Gambling
Introduction to Process Safety and Risk Analysis
Design for Risk Prevention in Microsoft Azure
Supply Chain Risk Management with OWASP Dependency-Check
Course image
Time
1260 hours
Level
Intermediate
Via
Pluralsight
Instructors
Matthew Lloyd Davies
Aaron Rosenmund
Language
English
Good to know
Develops skills and techniques for comprehending and mitigating backdoor vulnerabilities
Provides step-by-step guidance on how to mitigate risks
Taught by recognized experts in the field of cybersecurity
Highly relevant for IT professionals responsible for managing software security
Covers a critical topic in the field of cybersecurity
Taught on a platform that has a multi-modal and interactive learning environment
Share and help others discover this course.
Facebook LinkedIn X Reddit Link Email
Don't miss out
Enroll today to gain access to this course
Enroll in this course
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser