Follow up: How to write a Linux virus [LWN.net]

Follow up: How to write a Linux virus

Posted Feb 13, 2009 8:37 UTC (Fri) by roblucid (guest, #48964)
In reply to: Follow up: How to write a Linux virus by dkite
Parent article: Follow up: How to write a Linux virus

> The problem that the .desktop files tried to solve was to have an icon and
> application title associated with an executable file.

If that was all they were intended to provide, the descriptive file could use a map db file for paths to icons and titles. Then .desktop files just need, position info and the look up key. No need to bloat every executable.

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Follow up: How to write a Linux virus

Posted Feb 13, 2009 11:20 UTC (Fri) by dgm (subscriber, #49227) [Link] (2 responses)

Note that this will NOT solve the security problem, that is that any program can be disguised as any other. Also, this would require having a central icon db.

Follow up: How to write a Linux virus

Posted Feb 13, 2009 12:38 UTC (Fri) by roblucid (guest, #48964) [Link] (1 responses)

Yes, so you have your allowed interpreters that understand the file formats. Now when someone saves a file as data, and it's not in your list, you don't legitimise it. People have to install a program, to run the pay load.

How is that worse than interpreters for handling mime types?

Follow up: How to write a Linux virus

Posted Feb 13, 2009 15:34 UTC (Fri) by dkite (guest, #4577) [Link]

Great. A Windows Registry.

Derek