Re: [cobalt-users] bigbrother

["Jonathan Michaelson" <michaelsonjd@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> > OK, normally I don't reply to messages like this one, but I
> > just needed to speak up. I looked at the program in question,
> > it's the program that builds the Vsites on the system. As for
> > the so called "snitch" functions, I don't think so.
> >
> I haven't looked either, but I'd look for where it's called. My guess
> is, someone with a sense of humor named it and it snitches to the server
> admin when there's a problem. Or, it's possible it was put in there as
> part of a testing phase to send an email with problems. I'd like to see
> the original poster point out anywhere the function is called and who
> it's sending an email to.

I am a perl programmer, so thought I'd investigate a bit...
I have searched a RaQ4 and not found (so far) anywhere that the subroutine
is actually called. The subroutine itself checks for the existence of a file
called:

/etc/dns.notification (string translation from Product_raq.pm)

Only if that file exists and is readable, is it opened. The first line is
read and an email is sent to whatever email address is specified on that
line (I've checked and the file does not exist on a RaQ4 with a standard
installation). Since the subject and body are passed to the subroutine and
since I haven't been able to find any routine calling the subroutine, it's
not possible to say what could be in the email. So it does appear to be a
dead subroutine. However, to be prudent, sinply check for the file
mentioned. If it exists, have a look inside and consider renaming it out of
the way.

--
Regards,
Jonathan Michaelson
CGI Scripting and Product development
Web-based Email, Homepage Creation and Live Help products.
http://www.webumake.com