Bug#848597: debian-installer: iPXE script in DHCP bootfile option is interpreted as preseed filename

[Geert Stappers <stappers@debian.org>]

Control: reassign -1 preseed
Control: severity -1 wishlist
Control: retitle -1 handling non-preseed files

On Sun, Dec 18, 2016 at 11:56:30PM +0100, Geert Stappers wrote:
> On Sun, Dec 18, 2016 at 10:28:03PM +0100, Pali Rohár wrote:
> >
> > I know that they are two DHCP requests. Problem is that Debian installer
> > try to interpret bootfile (returned by second request) as preseed file
> > even it is not preseed file (but looks like URL).
>
> The DHCP bootfilename in the second request, the d-i request,
> should point to a preseedfile ...

And when it is not a preseedfile
then debian-installer fails with following "red" error:

  [!!] Download debconf preconfiguration file

  Failed to process the preconfiguration file

  The installer failed to process the preconfiguration file from <bootfile>.
  The file may be corrupt.


At least the text 'The file may be corrupt' could be changed into
'The file is not in expected format or simply corrupt'


Another change might be offering a way to retrieve preseed file from another
location. (not checked it that is allready existing)


> > And I consider this as a bug.
> [1]
>
> > As more things can look like URL, e.g.
> > iPXE script which can also be in bootfile option.



> > I know what is happening there...
>
> Then show your networksniff to the world.
Please do.

> I here by volenteer to analyze .pcap files.
That still stands.


Groeten
Geert Stappers
[1] Space left blank, because it is way too easy to fuel a flame war.
--
Leven en laten leven