When information like perl and OS characteristics are uploaded, the originating IP address is also uploaded. What could one do with this information? You can sometimes discover who owns this machine, starting with the IP.

• Ah, I know an exploit for perl 5.x.x. I'll bang on this IP to get root privleges.
• What? He's still using a 2.2 kernel? Wait till the chat forum hears about this!
• This fellow is using linux? I bet he'd be a good addition to the targetted list I am selling to Microsoft.

Now, I am not saying that you would do such dastardly deeds, but giving out such information does potentially decrease security.

If you implement something like this, it really should be opt-in, as people do install using CPAN, sometimes in an unattended fashion.

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