Why was the version number removed?

Discussion of general topics related to the new version and its place in the world. Don't discuss new features, report bugs, ask for support, et cetera. Don't use this to spam for other boards or attack those boards!
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Discussion of general topics related to the new release and its place in the world. Don't discuss new features, report bugs, ask for support, et cetera. Don't use this to spam for other boards or attack those boards!
Khael
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Re: Why was the version number removed?

Post by Khael »

After just spending 1-2 entire days recovering my server from this worm attack I can certainly appreciate this ;)

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olger901
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Re: Why was the version number removed?

Post by olger901 »

I think a good thing would be to remove the version number from the board and put it in the Admin Panel instead, because for example if you want to do a manual upgrade if you got MODs or anything installed and you forgot your version number, how are you supposed to upgrade then?

So IMHO it would be wise NOT to insert the version number in the board because of exploits etc. (I do certainly agree with the devs on that) but then to only insert the version number in the admin panel.
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psoTFX
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Re: Why was the version number removed?

Post by psoTFX »

It will be in the ACP ... It's just not been "done yet" ... like many many aspects of 2.2.0

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olger901
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Re: Why was the version number removed?

Post by olger901 »

Okay thank you for the info psoTFX, Good to know :)
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JPortal
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Re: Why was the version number removed?

Post by JPortal »

psoTFX wrote:Security through obscurity? oh please, get a grip ... you're suggesting we've done nothing else to improve security in 2.2 but remove the version number? Which CVS are you following prey tell.
phpBB has a track record for being secure. This latest change only makes it more secure IMO.

DK
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Re: Why was the version number removed?

Post by DK »

actually the first thing I do on my 2.x board is remove the version number for the very reason they are now removing it.

sometimes what I'll even do is simply go into the footer and comment it out. Alo somtimes I'll leave it in there commented out but make up a version number says 2.3.4 o 2.1.9 etc etc. You gotta keep the morons on their toes :lol:

unfortunately this latest one was nasty and even though I was upgraded to 2.1.1, and had asked my host to upgrade php - I still got a 1kb binary file dumped onto my hosting accnt under the forum dir. :evil:

xkevinx
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Re: Why was the version number removed?

Post by xkevinx »

Good Idea. Now will the other board software do the same.

Toe
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Re: Why was the version number removed?

Post by Toe »

I suppose I could chip in my own little anecdote: I had removed the version number from my board long ago, but my board still got hacked. It's very little protection, if any at all...

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CLee
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Re: Why was the version number removed?

Post by CLee »

Toe wrote:I suppose I could chip in my own little anecdote: I had removed the version number from my board long ago, but my board still got hacked. It's very little protection, if any at all...
Which was what I was trying to point out. Removing the version number doesn't improve the board's security one bit. Instead, I think it makes things worse by giving a false sense of security and makes it more difficult for those in the support forums to tell people to upgrade their boards because they are running a version with a known vulnerability.
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ElbertF
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Re: Why was the version number removed?

Post by ElbertF »

CLee wrote:Removing the version number doesn't improve the board's security one bit.
I've been under attack by the famous worm the last few days, I solved it by changing the version number and the copyright to "Powered`by phpBB 2*0*11 © 2001, 2002 phpBB`Group". So it does help (since it isn't able to find me on Google anymore). And what's the need of having the version number on every page? If you want it so badly, just put it back :P

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