Vulnerability Development mailing list archives

Re: Decision


From: "Zow" Terry Brugger <zow () llnl gov>
Date: Thu, 05 Jun 2003 12:18:46 -0700

Peteris,

 Due to bug, any source file can be read and the <the company> has spent
 thousands of $ for making the system.

So as I understand it, there's no immediate threat to the integrity or 
confidentiality of the customer data?

 Whats the best - report the bug and possible workarounds or let it
 stay?
 What i am nervous of is that the <the company> could 'kick' me later
 for seeing the sources.

A valid concern. If you are in a position such that you should have inside 
information about the system (like took part in its development), I'd say you 
have an ethical responsibility to notify the company. If customer data is in 
danger and the company won't do anything about it, then I'd say you have a 
responsibility to go public, but I would consult a lawyer before doing so.

If you're not in a position that they can finger you, then I'd say, report it 
to them anonymously. I don't know what options exist these days for anonymous 
remailers, but a Hotmail account from an Internet cafe will probably do the 
trick. That will allow you to do the right thing with a minimal possibility 
of repercussions.

My 2-bits,
Terry

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