I've spent the last two years building cgi scripts and have made many security mistakes along the way :)

I remember there being a CGI security FAQ, I think by Selena Sol, but can't remember.

How about working out criteria for rating a script's security level, and then create a 'Perl Monks security Meditation' for the overall security.

Things to look at would be whether they are safe from:

• manipulation of Query String and POST data (Level 1: 'may you live in interesting times')
• HTTP header spoofing - ie fake HTTP_REFERER, cookies etc (Level 2: 'may you come to the attention of those in power')
• data read/write access by other users on server (Level 3: 'sleep soundly, for you have peace in your heart')
• IP spoofing (Level 4: 'secure zen master')

Eg, if a script parses input data well, but relies on a valid HTTP_REFERER as a check, it would get a 'level one' rating. The infamous formmail can be used to relay e-mail if you fake/omit the HTTP_REFERER, but parses input data OK, so it would get a 'level one' rating.

I'm sure there are other criteria, but that's my .02

cLive ;-)

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