[Full-disclosure] Publishing exploit code - what is it good for

From: Aviram Jenik (aviram_at_beyondsecurity.com)
Date: 06/30/05

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    To: full-disclosure@lists.grok.org.uk, bugtraq@securityfocus.com
Date: Thu, 30 Jun 2005 15:13:47 +0300

    Hi,

    I recently had a discussion about the concept of full disclosure with one of
    the top security analysts in a well-known analyst firm. Their claim was that
    companies that release exploit code (like us, but this is also relevant for
    bugtraq, full disclosure, and several security research firms) put users at
    risks while those at risk gain nothing from the release of the exploit.

    I tried the regular 'full disclosure advocacy' bit, but the analyst remained
    reluctant. Their claim was that based on their own work experience, a
    security administrator does not have a need for the exploit code itself, and
    the vendor information is enough. The analyst was willing to reconsider their
    position if an end-user came forward and talked to them about their own
    benefit of public exploit codes. Quote: " If I speak to an end-user
    organization and they express legitimate needs for exploit code, then I'll
    change my opinion."

    Help me out here. Full disclosure is important for me, as I'm sure it is for
    most of the people on these two lists. If you're an end-user organization and
    are willing to talk to this analyst and explain your view (pro-FD, I hope),
    drop me a note and I'll put you in direct contact.

    Please note: I don't need any arguments pro or against full disclosure; all
    this has been discussed in the past. I also don't need you to tell me about
    someone else or some other project (e.g. nessus, snort) that utilizes these
    exploits. Tried that. Didn't work.

    What I need is a security administrator, CSO, IT manager or sys admin that can
    explain why they find public exploits are good for THEIR organizations. Maybe
    we can start changing public opinion with regards to full disclosure, and
    hopefully start with this opinion leader.

    TIA. 

    -- 
Aviram Jenik
Beyond Security
http://www.BeyondSecurity.com
http://www.SecuriTeam.com
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