Re: [9fans] permission bit of /mail/box

[David Presotto <presotto@closedmind.org>]

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Then don't use it.  We have a very open environment at the labs.  Lots
of non-critical stuff is in directories or files that anyone can muck with.
All systems stuff isn't.  There has to be an ability to create `trust everyone'
files and directories in such an environment.  If you want to hack your
file server to not allow it, that's why the source is open.

If you are arguing that its too easy to leak things if you leave anything
writable except by small interest groups, then you end up spending a lot
of time changing group membership.  Eventually, every group ends up
being way too inclusive.

You are right that, lacking proper protection modes, the catch all can
be too easily used in inappropriate ways (like for /mail/box).  I believe
that chopping off everyones hands to avoid anyone stealing is perhaps
not the best solution.  I think the boyd/geoff/rminnich/alii solution
to make the 'a' bit meaningful in directories is a good one.  The
trick is making it intuitive also so that people are less likely
to make mistakes.

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From: Kenji Arisawa <arisawa@ar.aichi-u.ac.jp>
To: 9fans@cse.psu.edu
Subject: Re: [9fans] permission bit of /mail/box
Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2003 11:12:13 +0900
Message-ID: <2E2DA000-ECA2-11D7-BC2F-000393A941BC@ar.aichi-u.ac.jp>

What I don't understand is the needs for the directory to allow anyone
to do anything.
I am afraid that the existence of such a directory is something like a
trap door.

Kenji Arisawa