In particular, BIND 9.20.17 has optimized how it handles outgoing queries, reducing the number of requests needed for certain lookups, which is beneficial for DNS resolvers with limited cache information. This release also improves error reporting during memory allocation failures, allowing for quicker troubleshooting. Several bugs were fixed, such as those related to timeout loops, journal file issues when switching from NSEC3 to NSEC records, and parsing problems that affected the loading of configurations.
BIND 9.19.43 continues to provide fixes for earlier versions, allowing users to benefit from improvements without requiring a full upgrade. Meanwhile, the development release 9.21.16 introduces significant enhancements, including advanced options for the 'dig' command, improved verbose status reporting for DNSSEC keys, and stricter enforcement of rules for the 'prefetch' setting. Additionally, catalog zones now have restrictions regarding their use with non-IN views.
For those who manage DNS configurations, it’s recommended to review and update any existing zone files that might be affected by these fixes, especially if they incorporate specific record types or outdated configurations. Users can download the latest versions from the ISC software download page.
Extension: These releases are part of an ongoing effort by the BIND development team to enhance security, performance, and user experience within the DNS ecosystem. The continuous updates ensure that administrators are equipped with the tools necessary to manage increasingly complex DNS structures while maintaining compliance with emerging standards. Furthermore, as DNS continues to evolve with technologies such as DNSSEC and DNS over HTTPS, future updates will likely focus on improving the robustness and security of DNS queries, offering even more advanced features for DNS management and troubleshooting. As the digital landscape grows, staying current with software updates becomes paramount for maintaining reliable and secure DNS services
BIND 9.20.17, 9.18.43, and 9.21.16 released
The BIND 9 DNS software has released new versions: 9.20.17, 9.18.43, and the development release 9.21.16. The updates include improvements to name resolution for delegation points, which should make queries faster, especially with complicated chains or redirections. Additionally, several bugs have been fixed, including issues related to timeouts, journal file mismatches, and parsing errors in remote-server settings. The development release 9.21.16 also includes new features such as improved 'dig' command options, enhanced status reporting for DNSSEC keys, and stricter rules for the 'prefetch' setting.
BIND 9.20.17, 9.18.43, and 9.21.16 released @ Linux Compatible
