Re: [RFC][PATCH] Extended Attributes for Security Modules

From: richard offer (offerat_private)
Date: Thu Apr 17 2003 - 13:53:07 PDT

  • Next message: Chris Wright: "Re: [RFC][PATCH] Extended Attributes for Security Modules"

    * frm chrisat_private "04/17/03 13:30:59 -0700" | sed '1,$s/^/* /'
    *
    ** Stephen Smalley (sdsat_private) wrote:
    *> On Wed, 2003-04-16 at 18:02, richard offer wrote:
    *> > I can see your reasons for the single attribute (known quantity for
    *> > production systems), but think its better at this stage to experiment
    *> > with multiple attributes and see how people use them before forcing
    *> > everyone to a single standard. It allows small steps rather than force
    *> > everyone to make a single large one.
    *> 
    *> Per-module attribute names create no incentive for the security module
    *> writers to provide a consistent API and guarantees a forked userland. 
    * 
    * This is the core issue.  Personally, I'd rather stick to simple strings
    * and per-module attributes rooted at a common point.  This is simplest
    * for userspace tools.  But the attribute namespace is effectively flat,
    * so it's a question of simplicity for locating the attributes.  A simple
    * getxattr(2) vs. a listxattr(2) plus multiple getxattr(2).  Unfortunately,
    * this points at a single standard name I think...
    
    Good point. Okay you've conviced me enough that while I don't agree more
    than 51%, I'm at least going to shut up until the next time.
    
    
    Would it make sense to have a single "backup/restore security label" tool
    that is distributed alongside LSM rather than relying on each module writer
    developing their own.
    
    * 
    * thanks,
    * -chris
    
    richard.
    
    -- 
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Richard Offer                     Technical Lead, Trust Technology, SGI
    "Specialization is for insects"
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