Translations:/etc/portage/make.conf/80/en

The DISTDIR variable defines the location where Portage will store the downloaded source code archives Its value defaults to /var/cache/distfiles on new installations. Previously the default was ${PORTDIR}/distfiles which resolved to /usr/portage/distfiles by default.

Users can set the DISTDIR variable in /etc/portage/make.conf:

Warning
Beware where you place your DISTDIR! Only trusted users should be granted write access to this location.

File integrity check and unpacking is not atomic operation, allowing for an attack where file is swapped in between possibly leading to compromise the system.

FILE /etc/portage/make.confUsing a different DISTDIR location

DISTDIR=/var/gentoo/distfiles

For more information, please refer to the DISTDIR article.