Re: Simplify ACL handling for large objects and removal of superuser() checks

On Sat, Nov 11, 2017 at 12:50 AM, Robert Haas <robertmhaas(at)gmail(dot)com> wrote:
> On Fri, Nov 10, 2017 at 10:34 AM, Tom Lane <tgl(at)sss(dot)pgh(dot)pa(dot)us> wrote:
>> I think as far as that goes, we can just change to "Therefore, by default
>> their use is restricted ...". Then I suggest adding a <caution> para
>> after that, with wording along the lines of
>>
>> It is possible to GRANT use of server-side lo_import and lo_export to
>> non-superusers, but careful consideration of the security implications
>> is required. A malicious user of such privileges could easily parlay
>> them into becoming superuser (for example by rewriting server
>> configuration files), or could attack the rest of the server's file
>> system without bothering to obtain database superuser privileges as
>> such. Access to roles having such privilege must therefore be guarded
>> just as carefully as access to superuser roles. Nonetheless, if use
>> of server-side lo_import or lo_export is needed for some routine task,
>> it's safer to use a role of this sort than full superuser privilege,
>> as that helps to reduce the risk of damage from accidental errors.
>
> +1. That seems like great language to me.

+1. Not convinced that mentioning wrappers is worth the complication.
Experienced admins likely already know such matters.
--
Michael