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Microsoft Makes Major Shift In Disclosure Policy
Trailrunner7 writes "Microsoft is changing the way in which it handles vulnerability disclosures, now moving to a model it calls coordinated vulnerability disclosure, in which the researcher and the vendor work together to verify a vulnerability and allow ample time for a patch. However, the new philosophy also recognizes that if there are attacks already happening, it may be necessary to release details of the flaw even before a patch is ready. The new CVD strategy relies on researchers to report vulnerabilities either directly to a vendor or to a trusted third party, such as a CERT-CC, who will then report it to the vendor. The finder and the vendor would then try to agree on a disclosure timeline and work from there." Here's Microsoft's announcement of the new strategy.
In response to the second step in the Coordinated Vulnerability Disclosure ("Step 2: Hurry Up and Wait"), I've printed several copies of the CVD on quadruple ply tissue paper and stocked all the restrooms with it. I've also prepared a special four course meal for Mr. Ormandy consisting of Taco Bell, a cup of coffee, a cigarette and a spoonful of castor oil.
Mr. Ormandy, I think you know what to do. I really found it amusing that they called the blog posting "Bringing Balance to the Force" when it looks to be completely defined by Microsoft with little or no input from the community.
My work here is dung.
What is the researcher's motivation to spend the extra time working with Microsoft? They certainly have no obligation to do anything Microsoft asks...
Personally, I prefer the Google and Mozilla method whereby researchers are paid a bounty of a few thousand dollars for reporting vulnerabilities in the manner the vendor prefers. Microsoft would be wise to follow the leaders rather than invent their own convoluted process.
A slashdotter who didn't build his own computer is like a Jedi who didn't build his own lightsaber.