IMPROVEMENT: Deleting the s9y Version from the html source

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amarradi
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IMPROVEMENT: Deleting the s9y Version from the html source

Post by amarradi »

Hello together,

i found an blog with s9y 1.1.3 and i think there are many bug for this version. If someone had an exploit for this version, so this blog is in danger.

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<meta name="Powered-By" content="Serendipity v.1.3.1" />

I think the version number is uninteresting.

I would say in the future version it is better to write only Serendipity without version number for security reason

Many greetings

Marcus Radisch
garvinhicking
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Re: IMPROVEMENT: Deleting the s9y Version from the html sour

Post by garvinhicking »

Hi!

For us developers the version number is often important to help debug things. Many unexpereicned users often do not know which version they are using, and it has been a tremendous help for our forum support up to know.

If one does not want version strings, he can set the $serendipity['expose_s9y'] variable to false.

Also, security through obscurity does not really hinder the impact - hackers would still simply attack a site with known exploits, not even taking the time to check a version.

I agree that removing a version number can tighten security, but IMHO the benefits for usual users are higher to not have that be the default s9y option.


Best regards,
Garvin
# Garvin Hicking (s9y Developer)
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Cenic
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Re: IMPROVEMENT: Deleting the s9y Version from the html sour

Post by Cenic »

Hi,
garvinhicking wrote:If one does not want version strings, he can set the $serendipity['expose_s9y'] variable to false.
It looks like the Powered-By meta tag is hardcoded in most templates and it doesn't depend on the expose_s9y variable. I think think that is what Marcus was refering to.

Regards,
Stefan
If Java had true garbage collection, most programs would delete themselves upon execution. (Robert Sewell)
garvinhicking
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Re: IMPROVEMENT: Deleting the s9y Version from the html sour

Post by garvinhicking »

Hi!
It looks like the Powered-By meta tag is hardcoded in most templates and it doesn't depend on the expose_s9y variable. I think think that is what Marcus was refering to.
The s9y core takes care of setting $serendipity['version'] to a string that no longer contains the version number. So once this expose_s9y variable is set, the version is also no longer exposed in any template.

Regards
Garvin
# Garvin Hicking (s9y Developer)
# Did I help you? Consider making me happy: http://wishes.garv.in/
# or use my PayPal account "paypal {at} supergarv (dot) de"
# My "other" hobby: http://flickr.garv.in/
amarradi
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Post by amarradi »

Hello together,

i would say we should set up an developement guide where such things are defined. e. g. no version numbers in templates

Bye

Marcus Radisch
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