Full Disclosure mailing list archives

Re: win2kup2date.exe ?


From: Barry Fitzgerald <bkfsec () sdf lonestar org>
Date: Mon, 13 Sep 2004 14:19:34 -0400

VX Dude wrote:


I have a sad feeling that I am alone about this.  If I
am, then I really pity you guys.

Stinny FranCisco, CISSP
Internet Sniper
eDefense Inc.



I tend to agree with you. However, there are a couple of things to consider:

1) Disclosure tends to refer to information. Now, malware is technically information -- but not in the sense that people think of "information" as. People read the list expecting vulnerability releases and fixes. Adding malware distribution to the list of services the list provides could further muddy the already muddied
            waters that come with having an unmoderated security list.

2) This increase in list traffic and bandwidth may be problematic for people without fully dedicated internet connections or those pay-per-time period internet connections. FD may not be the most appropiate place for this traffic. A new list may be more appropriate.

3) Let's face it -- in many corners of the world, distributing malware isn't entirely legal. FD might be put into legal jeopardy because of this. I don't know where FD is based out of, but here in the states, the DMCA and other fascism-inspired laws have been used to shut down security research. Ideally, the "list" would
          be setup within a non-treaty laiden country.

Now, I for one think that keeping malware off the list isn't going to stop a determined person with hostile intentions. Having said that, it is a worthy discussion and I certainly respect everyone who has brought up those concerns. But, I think that you're generally correct, VX Dude, in that keeping this stuff off the list is not entirely compatible with full disclosure philosophy. These are all points to think about, though. It's really up to the list owners and what they want.

            -Barry



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