[Python-Dev] PEP 476: Enabling certificate validation by default!

[Ethan Furman]

On 08/29/2014 01:00 PM, M.-A. Lemburg wrote:
> On 29.08.2014 21:47, Alex Gaynor wrote:
>>
>> I've just submitted PEP 476, on enabling certificate validation by default for
>> HTTPS clients in Python. Please have a look and let me know what you think.
>
> Thanks for the PEP. I think this is generally a good idea,
> but some important parts are missing from the PEP:
>
>   * transition plan:
>
>     I think starting with warnings in Python 3.5 and going
>     for exceptions in 3.6 would make a good transition
>
>     Going straight for exceptions in 3.5 is not in line with
>     our normal procedures for backwards incompatible changes.
>
>   * configuration:
>
>     It would be good to be able to switch this on or off
>     without having to change the code, e.g. via a command
>     line switch and environment variable; perhaps even
>     controlling whether or not to raise an exception or
>     warning.
>
>   * choice of trusted certificate:
>
>     Instead of hard wiring using the system CA roots into
>     Python it would be good to just make this default and
>     permit the user to point Python to a different set of
>     CA roots.
>
>     This would enable using self signed certs more easily.
>     Since these are often used for tests, demos and education,
>     I think it's important to allow having more control of
>     the trusted certs.

+1 for PEP with above changes.

--
~Ethan~