RFC: Removing file(1)+libmagic(3) from the base system

[Constantine A. Murenin]

On 23/05/07, Colin Percival <cperciva at freebsd.org> wrote:
> FreeBSD architects and file(1) maintainer,
>
> I'd like to remove file(1) and libmagic(3) from the FreeBSD base system
> for the following reasons:
> 1. I don't see it as being a necessary component of a UNIX-like operating
> system.
> 2. It's available in the ports tree.
> 3. Due to its nature as a program which parses multiple data formats, it
> poses an unusually high risk of having security problems in the future
> (cf. ethereal/wireshark).
>
> The one redeeming feature of file/libmagic as far as security is concerned
> is that it doesn't act as a daemon, i.e., other code or user intervention
> is required for an attacker to exploit security issues.  This is why I'm
> asking here rather than wielding the "Security Officer can veto code which
> he doesn't like" stick. :-)
>
> Can anyone make a strong argument for keeping this code in the base system?

What about the manual page, History section?

<<
     There has been a file command in every UNIX since at least Research Ver-
     sion 4 (man page dated November, 1973).  The System V version introduced
     one significant major change: the external list of magic number types.
>>

Cheers,
Constantine.