[Python-Dev] cpython (3.2): Issue #11956: Skip test_import.test_unwritable_directory on FreeBSD when run as

[Antoine Pitrou]

On Fri, 7 Oct 2011 08:27:01 +1100
Cameron Simpson <cs at zip.com.au> wrote:
> 
> 2: Root _can_ corrupt things anywhere in the system (within the VM, of
>    course, but the builtbot is a subset of it). A normal unprivileged user
>    will not have write permission to thing like:
>      the OS image
>      the compilers
>      the system commands
>      other user data areas
>    all of which offer avenues to corrupt the built/test scenario.
>    And if it is not a special purpose VM, the corrupt things for other
>    uses and users of the system.

Why do you think it is not a special purpose VM?
Also, if you think there's a security problem, why don't you take it in
private with the buildbot owner instead of making such a fuss on a
public mailing-list?

> The prudent way to run the buildbots, especially if they cycle
> (refetch newer codebase, rebuilt, retest) instead of (scrub VM,
> reinstall, install built system, etc) is:
> 
>   - a user to fetch source and dispatch builds
>   - possibly a distinct user to run the builds
>   - definitely a distinct user to run the test suite

Your contribution is definitely welcome.

Thanks

Antoine.