Thread

1. mikestew · 1790117337 · focus · HN ↗

   Here’s my problem with reviving FoxPro in any form: there’s a huge security hole in the Database Container (DBC) design. For DBCs to be useful, they must be read/write to all users (there is no permissions scheme). DBCs have stored procedures that can run any FoxPro code, including Win32 calls made from the FoxPro runtime. The stored procedures are stored as plain text in a “memo” field. Do you see where this is going? With a little technical knowledge, one can modify that INSERT trigger to whatever you like. EDIT: as the DB is just files in the file system, modifications can be made using a text editor, bypassing any checks in the FoxPro runtime. FoxPro just executes what it finds in there.

   My recommendation is to get rid of the DBF/DBC files and move to a SQL DB of some flavor ASAP. If you have the source code, use ODBC or OLE DB to point to a server.

   Source: filed that bug over 20 years ago when I worked on the Fox team. No, it wasn’t going to get fixed without rewriting large parts of how the DB engine worked.

   1. HoldOnAMinute · 1790117534 · focus · HN ↗

      Maybe someone can put the core FoxPro ideas on top of SQLite

      1. EvanAnderson · 1790118565 · focus · HN ↗

         If it isn't client / server architecture there's no privilege separation using SQLite either. The storage format isn't the concern. Rather, the concern is it all runs in the same OS security context.

         1. fodkodrasz · 1790145497 · focus · HN ↗

            But it is a feature... I mean Excel also runs there...

            1. cm2187 · 1790151262 · focus · HN ↗

               Exactly, or an access database. This is to enable end users who live in a fully locked down environment (enterprise setup) and can't install anything to use database like features without having to wait 6 months for IT to lift a finger.

               But if it starts being a system of records / authoritative system, there needs to be a plan to decommission it.

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