Follow @Openwall on Twitter for new release announcements and other news
[<prev] [next>] [<thread-prev] [thread-next>] [day] [month] [year] [list]
Date: Wed, 3 May 2023 17:43:28 -0400
From: Reid Sutherland <reid@...rddimension.net>
To: oss-security@...ts.openwall.com
Subject: Re: Perl's HTTP::Tiny has insecure TLS cert default,
 affecting CPAN.pm and other modules

Moritz Bechler wrote:
> Hi,
> 
>>
>> A default is not a vulnerability.  There are reasons why defaults 
>> cannot be changed in libraries once they are stable.  This is also why 
>> documentation exists.
>>
>> Revoke these CVEs, it's a stain on the process.
> 
> 
> while one may criticize that CVEs have been assigned both for the 
> insecure default and (some of the) insecure usages, at least one of 
> these is a legitimate case, in terms of CVEs likely the latter. And when 
> it comes to defaming projects, at least in my book, choosing, keeping 
> and defending bad defaults speaks to much more than a CVE being assigned.
> 


Performing outside queries is not a reasonable default in terms of 
security.  It's up to the developer if they wish to open up the user to 
that risk.  Libraries cannot shift defaults on a whim, this is why they 
have documentation.

Powered by blists - more mailing lists

Please check out the Open Source Software Security Wiki, which is counterpart to this mailing list.

Confused about mailing lists and their use? Read about mailing lists on Wikipedia and check out these guidelines on proper formatting of your messages.