[Date Prev][Date Next] [Thread Prev][Thread Next] [Date Index] [Thread Index]

Re: SSH = X11 forwarding?



On Fri, Apr 21, 2006 at 09:55:04AM -0700, Andrew Sackville-West wrote:
> On Fri, Apr 21, 2006 at 07:52:39AM -0500, Greg Norris wrote:
> > On Tue, Apr 18, 2006 at 10:43:47AM -0400, Antonio Paiva wrote:
> > > Ryan,
> > > You probably need to run
> > > ----
> > > xhost <address of server>
> > > ----
> > > on the client machine.
> > 
> > Someone suggest this virtually every time the topic comes up.  It's 
> > exceptionally bad advice... DON'T DO IT!!!
> 
> Could you enlighten us briefly on why its so bad? honest curiosity
> here.

It allows anyone on the specified host access to your X session.  Not 
only does this allow them to open new windows on your screen, but also 
to read information and capture keystrokes... password sniffing, for 
example.

Do a quick google for "xhost security", and you'll find plenty of 
descriptions and examples on the first page of results.

Attachment: signature.asc
Description: Digital signature


Reply to: