{{Header}}
{{title|title=
Onionizing Repositories
}}
{{#seo:
|description=The guide explains how to configure Tor onion services for APT repositories to enhance security and privacy, but it may cause system updates to fail due to unreliability. The configuration provides protection against targeted and man-in-the-middle attacks and prevents tracking of installed programs.
|image=Onionrepository23234.jpg
}}
[[image:Onionrepository23234.jpg|thumb]]
{{intro|
The guide explains how to configure experimental Tor onion services for APT repositories. The configuration provides additional security and privacy benefits, such as protection against targeted attacks, man-in-the-middle attacks and preventing tracking of installed programs, but it may cause system updates to fail due to unreliability.
}}
= Introduction =

When software packages from Debian, {{project_name_long}}, Fedora, Qubes (and others) are downloaded prior to the installation of new packages or upgrades, the package repository sources default to the http / https transport protocol, which is non-ideal for security. Instead, experimental Tor onion services can be configured for a number of platforms, which provides several security and privacy benefits: <ref>https://blog.torproject.org/tor-heart-apt-transport-tor-and-debian-onions</ref>

* The user cannot be uniquely targeted for malicious updates -- attackers are forced to attack everyone requesting the update.
* The package repository, or observers watching it, cannot track what programs are installed.
* The ISP cannot easily learn what packages are fetched.
* End-to-end authentication and encryption provides protection against man-in-the-middle attacks, like version downgrade attacks.

Be aware that enabling onion repositories may cause system updates to periodically fail due to their [https://forums.whonix.org/t/disable-onions-by-default-due-to-unreliability/6650 unreliability]. If this becomes an issue, it is encouraged to [[Operating_System_Software_and_Updates#Non-functional_Onion_Services|Re-enable Clearnet Repositories]] so packages can be updated.

If the term "comment" is unfamiliar, please follow [https://www.howtogeek.com/118389/how-to-comment-out-and-uncomment-lines-in-a-configuration-file/ this link] to learn how to comment / uncomment lines in a configuration file.

In this chapter, instructions are provided for onionizing sources on the [[#Debian|Debian]], [[#{{non_q_project_name_long}}|{{non_q_project_name_long}}]] and [[#Qubes|Qubes]] platforms.

= Qubes =

Qubes <code>dom0</code> and VMs can be onionized by editing the repository configuration files so they point to the corresponding onion mirrors. <ref>At present, the [https://www.qubes-os.org/news/2019/04/17/tor-onion-services-available-again/ available Qubes onion service URLs] are:
<blockquote>
Website:   www.{{qubes_onion}} <br />
Yum repo:  yum.{{qubes_onion}} <br />
Deb repo:  deb.{{qubes_onion}} <br />
ISOs:      iso.{{qubes_onion}}
</blockquote></ref>

Complete the following steps in [[#dom0|<code>dom0</code>]] and for each template -- not all templates can be completely onionized. The instructions below consider [[#Debian Templates|Debian Templates]], [[#{{project_name_short}} Templates|Whonix <sup>TM</sup> Templates]], and the [[#Fedora Template|Fedora Template]].

== dom0 ==

<code>dom0</code> can be updated exclusively over onion services.
{{Box|text=
'''1.''' In a <code>dom0</code> terminal, open the <code>qubes-dom0.repo</code> configuration file in a text editor.

{{CodeSelect|code=
sudoedit /etc/yum.repos.d/qubes-dom0.repo
}}

* comment the lines that contain <code>metalink</code>
* uncomment the lines that contain <code>{{Qubes_onion}}</code>

Once completed, each of the four code blocks will have http(s) repository lines similar to the following example.

{{CodeSelect|code=
#baseurl = https://yum.qubes-os.org/r$releasever/current/host/fc37
baseurl = http://yum.{{Qubes_onion}}/r$releasever/current/host/fc37
#metalink = https://yum.qubes-os.org/r$releasever/current/host/fc37/repodata/repomd.xml.metalink
}}

Save and exit.

'''2.''' In a <code>dom0</code> terminal, open the <code>qubes-templates.repo</code> configuration file in a text editor.

{{CodeSelect|code=
sudoedit /etc/qubes/repo-templates/qubes-templates.repo
}}

* comment the lines that contain <code>metalink</code>
* uncomment the lines that contain <code>{{Qubes_onion}}</code>

Once completed, each of the two code blocks will have http(s) repository lines similar to the following example.

{{CodeSelect|code=
#baseurl = https://yum.qubes-os.org/r$releasever/templates-itl
baseurl = http://yum.{{Qubes_onion}}/r$releasever/templates-itl
#metalink = https://yum.qubes-os.org/r$releasever/templates-itl/repodata/repomd.xml.metalink
}}

Save and exit.

'''3.''' In <code>dom0</code> terminal, confirm both onion repositories are functional.

Using <code>--show-output --console</code> is optional but recommended because of a Qubes upstream bug. <ref>[https://github.com/QubesOS/qubes-issues/issues/7254 <code>qubes-dom0-update</code> shows <code>No updates available</code> in case of network is down / <code>qubes-dom0-update</code> fails to notice if repositories are unreachable / network is down]</ref><br />
{{CodeSelect|code=
sudo qubes-dom0-update --show-output --console
}}
}}

== Debian Templates ==

Debian templates can be updated exclusively over onion services. Simply edit both Qubes and Debian sources.list files so they point to the respective onion repositories.

Note: to use the <code>tor+http</code> configuration below, {{kicksecure_wiki|wikipage=Advanced_Host_Security#apt-transport-tor|text=apt-transport-tor}} must be installed. <ref name=tor+http>For support in downloading APT packages anonymously via the Tor network. To install it:
{{CodeSelect|code=
sudo apt install apt-transport-tor
}}</ref> Remove <code>tor+</code> from the code block if updates over Tor are unwanted.

==== Onionize qubes-r4.list ====

{{Box|text=
'''1.''' In Debian TempateVM, open the <code>qubes-r4.list</code> file in a text editor.

{{CodeSelect|code=
sudoedit /etc/apt/sources.list.d/qubes-r*.list
}}

'''2.''' Comment the first line underneath "Main qubes updates repository".

The first code block should look similar to this.

{{CodeSelect|code=
# Main qubes updates repository
#deb [arch=amd64] https://deb.qubes-os.org/r4.2/vm {{Stable project version based on Debian codename}} main
#deb-src https://deb.qubes-os.org/r4.2/vm {{Stable project version based on Debian codename}} main
}}

'''3.''' Uncomment the corresponding line underneath "Qubes Tor updates repositories".

The first code block should look similar to this.

{{CodeSelect|code=
# Qubes Tor updates repositories
# Main qubes updates repository
deb [arch=amd64] tor+http://deb.{{Qubes_onion}}/r4.2/vm {{Stable project version based on Debian codename}} main
#deb-src http://deb.{{Qubes_onion}}/r4.2/vm {{Stable project version based on Debian codename}} main
}}

Save and exit.

'''4.''' Confirm the onionized repositories are functional.

{{CodeSelect|code=
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade
}}
}}

==== Onionize Debian sources.list ====

The <code>sources.list</code> file can be edited so it points to the Debian onion mirror. <ref name=Debian_onions>https://onion.debian.org/</ref> This is a more secure method than clearnet for updates and software installation.

{{Box|text=
{{Onionize Debian Sources.list
|filename=/etc/apt/sources.list
}}
}}

== {{project_name_short}} Templates ==

{{project_name_short}} templates can be updated exclusively over onion services by editing the Qubes, Debian <ref name=Debian_onions /> and {{project_name_short}} <code>sources.list</code> files so they point to the respective onion repositories.

Complete the following steps in <u>both</u> {{project_name_gateway_long}} and {{project_name_workstation_long}}.

==== Onionize qubes-r4.list ====

{{Box|text=
'''1.''' In {{project_name_short}} TempateVM, open <code>qubes-r4.list</code> in a text editor.

{{CodeSelect|code=
sudoedit /etc/apt/sources.list.d/qubes-r*.list
}}

'''2.''' Comment the first line underneath "Main qubes updates repository".

The first code block should look similar to this.

{{CodeSelect|code=
# Main qubes updates repository
#deb [arch=amd64] https://deb.qubes-os.org/r4.2/vm {{Stable project version based on Debian codename}} main
#deb-src https://deb.qubes-os.org/r4.2/vm {{Stable project version based on Debian codename}} main
}}

'''3.''' Uncomment the corresponding line underneath "Qubes Tor updates repositories".

The first code block should look similar to this.

{{CodeSelect|code=
# Qubes Tor updates repositories
# Main qubes updates repository
deb [arch=amd64] tor+http://deb.{{Qubes_onion}}/r4.2/vm {{Stable project version based on Debian codename}} main
#deb-src tor+http://deb.{{Qubes_onion}}/r4.2/vm {{Stable project version based on Debian codename}} main
}}

Save and exit.

'''4.''' Confirm the onionized repositories are functional.

{{CodeSelect|code=
upgrade-nonroot
}}
}}

==== Onionize debian.list ====

{{Box|text=
'''1.''' Open the Debian <code>sources.list</code> file using an editor with root rights.

{{CodeSelect|code=
sudoedit /etc/apt/sources.list.d/debian.list
}}

'''2.''' Uncomment the onionized Debian repositories.

Uncomment the following .onion mirrors and comment out (#) the corresponding https repositories (except the fasttrack repository).

{{CodeSelect|code=
#deb tor+https://deb.debian.org/debian bullseye main contrib non-free
#deb tor+https://deb.debian.org/debian bullseye-updates main contrib non-free
#deb tor+https://deb.debian.org/debian-security bullseye-security main contrib non-free
#deb tor+https://deb.debian.org/debian bullseye-backports main contrib non-free
deb tor+https://fasttrack.debian.net/debian bullseye-fasttrack main contrib non-free

deb tor+http://2s4yqjx5ul6okpp3f2gaunr2syex5jgbfpfvhxxbbjwnrsvbk5v3qbid.onion/debian bullseye main contrib non-free
deb tor+http://2s4yqjx5ul6okpp3f2gaunr2syex5jgbfpfvhxxbbjwnrsvbk5v3qbid.onion/debian bullseye-updates main contrib non-free
deb tor+http://5ajw6aqf3ep7sijnscdzw77t7xq4xjpsy335yb2wiwgouo7yfxtjlmid.onion/debian-security bullseye-security main contrib non-free
deb tor+http://2s4yqjx5ul6okpp3f2gaunr2syex5jgbfpfvhxxbbjwnrsvbk5v3qbid.onion/debian bullseye-backports main contrib non-free
## No onion for fasttrack yet:
## https://salsa.debian.org/fasttrack-team/support/-/issues/27
}}

Save and exit.

'''3.''' Confirm the onionized repositories are functional.

{{CodeSelect|code=
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade
}}
}}

==== Onionize derivative.list ====
Follow these steps to point the {{project_name_short}} <code>sources.list</code> file to the onion mirror. See [[Project-APT-Repository|{{project name short}} APT Repository overview]] for details on the four repository choices.

This can be done using <code>repository-dist</code> {{cli}} tool with the <code>--transport onion</code> option.

{{Box|text=
'''1.''' Open the {{project_name_short}} <code>sources.list</code> file using an editor with root rights.

{{CodeSelect|code=
sudo repository-dist --enable --transport onion
}}

'''2.''' Confirm the onionized repository is functional.

{{CodeSelect|code=
upgrade-nonroot
}}
}}

== Fedora Template ==

<u>Note:</u> Updating Fedora templates exclusively over [[Onion_Services|Onion Services]] is not possible -- only related Qubes repositories can be onionized. The reason is Fedora does not maintain onion service repositories.

{{Box|text=
'''1.''' In Fedora Template, open the <code>qubes-r4.repo</code> file in a text editor. <ref>At the time of writing Qubes-R4 was the current stable release.</ref>

{{CodeSelect|code=
sudoedit /etc/yum.repos.d/qubes-r*.repo
}}

* comment the lines that contain <code>yum.qubes-os.org</code>
* uncomment the lines that contain <code>{{Qubes_onion}}</code>

Once completed, each of the four code blocks will have http(s) repository lines similar to the following example.

{{CodeSelect|code=
#baseurl = https://yum.qubes-os.org/r4.2/current/vm/fc$releasever
baseurl = http://yum.{{Qubes_onion}}/r4.2/current/vm/fc$releasever
}}

Save and exit.

'''2.''' In Fedora Template, confirm the onion service repositories are functional.

{{CodeSelect|code=
sudo dnf update
}}

'''3.''' Import the Qubes OS signing key if prompted.

Sometimes the following message may appear. Press <code>y</code> and then <code>Enter</code>. <ref>See: [https://www.qubes-os.org/security/verifying-signatures/ Verifying signatures] for further information on signing keys.</ref> <ref>All Qubes OS signing keys can be found [https://keys.qubes-os.org/keys/ here].</ref>

{{CodeSelect|code=
Importing GPG key 0x8E34D89F:
Userid     : "Qubes OS Release 4.2 Signing Key"
Fingerprint: 9C88 4DF3 F810 64A5 69A4 A9FA E022 E58F 8E34 D89F
From       : /etc/pki/rpm-gpg/RPM-GPG-KEY-qubes-4.2-primary
Is this ok [y/N]:
}}
}}

= Debian =

Debian hosts and VMs can be onionized by editing the Debian <ref name=Debian_onions /> <ref>Also edit {{project_name_short}} <code>sources.list</code> if you are using [[Packages for Debian Hosts|{{project_name_short}} Packages for Debian Hosts]].</ref> repository configuration files so they point to the corresponding onion mirrors. Complete the following steps on Debian hosts or in Debian VMs.

Note: to use the <code>tor+http</code> configuration below, {{kicksecure_wiki|wikipage=Advanced_Host_Security#apt-transport-tor|text=apt-transport-tor}} must be installed. <ref name=tor+http /> Remove "tor+" from the code block if updates over Tor are unwanted.

{{Box|text=
{{Onionize Debian Sources.list
|filename=/etc/apt/sources.list
}}
}}

= {{non_q_project_name_short}} =

{{non_q_project_name_short}} VMs can be onionized by editing both the Debian <ref name=Debian_onions /> and {{project_name_short}} repository configuration files so they point to the corresponding onion mirrors. Complete the following steps in <u>both</u> {{project_name_gateway_short}} and {{project_name_workstation_short}}.

=== Debian sources.list ===

{{Box|text=
{{Onionize Debian Sources.list
|filename=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/debian.list
}}
}}

=== {{project_name_short}} sources.list ===

Follow these steps to point the {{project_name_short}} <code>sources.list</code> file to the v3 onion mirror. <ref name=v2_v3>{{project_name_short}} no longer maintains v2 legacy onion addresses which were deprecated by The Tor Project in October 2021; see [https://support.torproject.org/onionservices/v2-deprecation/#topic_v2-deprecation here].</ref> <ref>The v3 onion protocol has been supported for clients and servers since Tor v0.3.2.1-alpha.</ref> See [[Project-APT-Repository#Whonix_APT_Repository_Overview|Whonix APT Repository overview]] for details on the four repository choices.

{{Box|text=
'''1.''' Open the {{project_name_short}} <code>sources.list</code> file using an editor with root rights.

{{CodeSelect|code=
sudoedit /etc/apt/sources.list.d/derivative.list
}}

'''2.''' Uncomment the onionized {{project_name_short}} repository.

Uncomment the following .onion mirror and comment out (#) the corresponding https repository.

{{CodeSelect|code=
deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/derivative.asc] tor+http://deb.{{project_onion}} {{Stable project version based on Debian codename}} main contrib non-free
#deb-src [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/derivative.asc] tor+http://deb.{{project_onion}} {{Stable project version based on Debian codename}} main contrib non-free

#deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/derivative.asc] tor+https://deb.whonix.org {{Stable project version based on Debian codename}} main contrib non-free
#deb-src [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/derivative.asc] tor+https://deb.whonix.org {{Stable project version based on Debian codename}} main contrib non-free
}}

Save and exit.

'''3.''' Confirm the onionized repository is functional.

{{CodeSelect|code=
upgrade-nonroot
}}
}}

= Onionize Tor Project Updates =

For enhanced security, advanced users and testers can onionize Tor Project updates; see [[Tor_Versioning|Tor Versioning]] for further details.

= Footnotes =

{{reflist|close=1}}

{{Footer}}

[[Category:Documentation]]