oberman@LLL-ICDC.ARPA ("Oberman, Kevin") (06/29/87)
A recent info-vax message gave details of how to turn traceback on for an image linked \NOTRACEBACK. I have found it occasionally handy to do this, but people should be aware of possible security problems implicit in the action. With VMS V4.0 install was modified to REQUIRE images to be linked /NOTRACEBACK before they could be installed. This is because some clever soul realized that by running a code which had been installed with privs (esp. CMKRNL) and then hitting CTRL-Y he could invoke DEBUG and find himself with the ability to execute (successfully) instructions requiring the elevated privilege. Modifying the NOTRACEBACK characteristic of an INSTALLed image would open this door to your system. That doesn't mean it should never be done, just that it should be done with care. R. Kevin Oberman Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory arpa: oberman@lll-icdc.arpa (415) 422-6955 Disclaimer: Neither my employer nor myself can take resposibility for the accuracy of this information. I believe it is correct, but if it's not I can only say "Sorry". I'm a rotten typist and a worse speller, so forgive any silly errors. ------