Re: Re: [RHSA-2003:279-01] Updated OpenSSH packages fix potential vulnerability

[Matt Collins <matt () clues com>]

On Tue, Sep 16, 2003 at 02:08:48PM -0700, kernelclue () hushmail com wrote:
> OpenSSH runs on a number of platforms, Windows included.  To say this
> reflects on GNU/Linux or any Linux distro is just nonsense.

He wasn't. He was suggesting the utility of bug-discussion lists is
reduced by having the same bug reported multiple times by every
vendor out there. It wasnt anything to do with the OpenSSH issue.

I tend to agree - if you want redhat patches subscribe to their security
mailing list. If redhat find a new bug, they of course 
should post it to bugtraq, full disclosure, or their communications medium 
of choice.

It isnt particularly useful for a cross platform research/discussion list
to be flooded with 7 software release announcements for the same bug,
though. Even if there is an argument that a central clearing house for
patch releases is a useful thing, splitting out 'initial notification'
(this bug exists in funny_mail) from 'patch release' (vendors 1 2 3
4 ... 1000 have a patch for their packaged version of funny_mail!)
makes both lists more readable and more useful.

Such a gain in utility might even increase contribution; if instead of
having to dedicate hours to 'eyeballing' out the repeated messages with
no new information beyond a URL for download of a particular precompiled
patch the list became more useful 'raw' information, it would become
much easier to regularly partake of it.

YMMV of course.

Matt

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