Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

Technically you can't be sure that when you open() /dev/random in a native C application that it's actually opening /dev/random either. Yes, really.


You're technically correct - it's all a matter of degrees of certainty. That does however not invalidate any of the points made in the article.

If that native C application runs on a server that is fully under your control you stand a far, far better chance then when that native C application (say a web browser) runs on some computer not under your control. Especially if that native C application is explicitly written to accept run-time addition of random third-party code (aka browser extensions).




Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: