old e2fsprogs version can corrupt fs during offline resize

[AlexHarrowell]

The version of e2fsprogs (1.42.5 and below) included in Precise, Quantal, and Raring contains the bug described here:

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/2060328

and fixed in 1.42.8. 1.42.8 is included in Saucy. I think the newer version should be included as an update, as the bug causes data loss. Further, documentation should reflect that it isn't necessarily better to unmount before resizing under ext4 - at the moment, it is always impressed on everyone to NEVER touch a filesystem online.

I believe Ubuntu's installer sets the flag (resize_inode) in question by default, so the combination of:

1) ext4 with resize_inode set
2) gparted and documentation insist that you only ever modify the filesystem offline
3) the old version of e2fsprogs

creates the risk that the holes in the swiss cheese line up and lead to a disaster.

[Launchpad Janitor (janitor)]

Status changed to 'Confirmed' because the bug affects multiple users.

[racitup (racitup)]

I would strongly urge e2fsprogs v1.43 be brought in sooner rather than later.