INTERNET-DRAFT Steven M. Bellovin
draft-ymbk-obscurity-00.txt Randy Bush
Security Through Obscurity Considered Dangerous
Copyright (C) The Internet Society (2002). All Rights Reserved.
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0. Abstract
Hiding security vulnerabilities in algorithms, software, and/or
hardware decreases the likelihood they will be repaired and increases
the likelihood that they can and will be exploited by evil-doers.
Discouraging or outlawing discussion of weaknesses and
vulnerabilities is extremely dangerous and deleterious to the
security of computer systems, the network, and its citizens.
1. Open Discussion Encourages Better Security
The long history of cryptography and cryptoanalysis has shown time
and time again that open discussion and analysis of algorithms
exposes weaknesses not thought of by the original authors, and
thereby leads to better and more secure algorithms. As Kerckhoff
noted about cipher systems in 1883 [Kerc83], "Il faut qu'il n'exige
pas le secret, et qu'il puisse sans inconv'enient tomer entre les
mains de l'ennemi." (Roughly, "the system must not require secrecy
and can be stolen by the enemy without causing trouble.")
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It is also against the ethos and laws of a number of countries to
disallow open discussion of science and technology.
Within the IETF, frank discussion of the flaws of proposed and actual
protocols has led to improvement versions. Hence, the IETF does not
discourage open discussion and analysis of cryptographic or security
methods, and enthusiastically encourages open and frank technical
discussion thereof in its research, working groups, mailing lists,
and all other discussion venues.
2. Revealing Vulnerabilities is Useful
Revealing and discussing vulnerabilities in hardware and software
products allows the users to protect themselves, and encourages
general protection and repair strategies.
On the other hand, there is a well-established culture of giving the
manufacturer of the vulnerable product a short but reasonable early
warning of discovered vulnerabilities so that they have an
opportunity to repair them and or prepare to distribute patches or
work-arounds. Furthermore, it is better if developers have time to
test their patches; much of the current mess comes from inadequate
software testing.
The IETF supports and encourages the open but prudent discussion of
vulnerabilities in hardware and software in all appropriate IETF
venues.
3. The Culture of Sharing
In parts of the hacker subculture, information is currency. That is,
by disclosing vulnerabilities or by providing exploit code, the
purveyor gains status. As a consequence, knowledge of security holes
tends to spread rapidly.
By contrast, when security professionals withhold such information
from the community, the broader community does not have an
opportunity to find solutions. In extreme cases, such as that
described in [Bell95], the result can be that the bad guys know about
the problem long before most defenders do. That, in turn, likely
delayed the development of cryptographic security mechanisms for the
DNS [RFC2065].
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3. Security Considerations
This document is about security, and specifically warns about
increased vulnerability if weakness in algorithms and products are
not able to be openly discussed.
4. Acknowledgments
I dunno
5. References
[Bell95]
S..M. Bellovin, "Using the Domain Name System for System Break-
Ins", Proc. Fifth Usenix Security Symposium, 1995.
[Kerc83]
A. Kerckhoffs. "La Cryptographie Militaire". 1883.
<http://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/~fapp2/kerckhoffs/>
[RFC2065]
D. Eastlake and C. Kaufman. "Domain Name System Security Exten-
sions". RFC 2065, 1997.
6. Authors' Addresses
Steven M Bellovin
AT&T Labs Research
Shannon Laboratory
180 Park Avenue
Florham Park, NJ 07932
Phone: +1 973-360-8656
email: bellovin@acm.org
Randy Bush
5147 Crystal Springs
Bainbridge Island, WA US-98110
+1 206 780 0431
randy@psg.com
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7. Full Copyright Statement
Copyright (C) The Internet Society (2001). All Rights Reserved.
This document and translations of it may be copied and furnished to
others, and derivative works that comment on or otherwise explain it
or assist in its implementation may be prepared, copied, published
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kind, provided that the above copyright notice and this paragraph
are included on all such copies and derivative works. However, this
document itself may not be modified in any way, such as by removing
the copyright notice or references to the Internet Society or other
Internet organizations, except as needed for the purpose of develop-
ing Internet standards in which case the procedures for copyrights
defined in the Internet Standards process must be followed, or as
required to translate it into languages other than English.
The limited permissions granted above are perpetual and will not be
revoked by the Internet Society or its successors or assigns.
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TASK FORCE DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING
BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY WARRANTY THAT THE USE OF THE INFORMATION
HEREIN WILL NOT INFRINGE ANY RIGHTS OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
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