On Mar 18, 2008, at 9:09 AM, Dave Crocker wrote:
> Steve Atkins wrote:
>> Without that check, an unsigned mail from [EMAIL PROTECTED] will  
>> be considered to comply with ASP unless there is an ASP record for  
>> _asp._domainkey.bar.baz.ebay.com or for _asp._domainkey.baz.ebay.com
> ...
>> The domain existence check means that only a defined number of ASP  
>> records need to be published (the number of hostnames you publish  
>> would be an upper bound unless you're using wildcards anywhere else  
>> in your DNS, in which case all bets are off).
>
> (Thanks for Barry for reminding me to review this.)
>
> Steve,
>
> Many apologies, but I am simply not understanding this.

Assuming the domain does not use wildcards for some purpose, then  
finding the non-existence of the domain offers a means to reject the  
message.  The check could depend upon the presence of SMTP discovery  
records, MX or A.

> Just to make sure we are on the same page about the hierarchy trick  
> in the spec:
>
>    The one-level-up hack might be useful for saving some  
> administration, but it does not provide meaningful "protection",  
> since all an attacker has to do is use a level down.

This assumes an existence check is being made _and_ the non-use of  
wildcards.  Policy only needs to be published at nodes where A or MX  
records are being published, as not having these records should  
disqualify the domain being valid for SMTP.

> With respect to an A record, its presence does tell you that the  
> name is valid, but it does not tell you anything about ADSP  
> support.  Initially there will be virtually no adoption of ADSP.  So  
> what does finding an A record, but no _adsp
> record, tell you?

Either an A or MX record would mean the domain potentially supports  
SMTP.

> I think what this is uncovering is that adoption of ADSP requires  
> ensuring ADSP query results for all valid names.  In that context, I  
> guess I can see the benefit of having an A record serve to define  
> what names are valid.
>
> Mumble.  This is still feeling a bit squishy to me, although at  
> least I'm starting to see the possibility of its being useful.  (I  
> think the doc at least is going to have to be much more clear about  
> its role.)

Good.  A feature offering even stronger refutation than invalid  
signatures and strict policy would be to require MX records be  
published in conjunction with DKIM/SMTP policy.  In this way, when a  
DKIM/SMTP policy record is published (even an empty record) without an  
MX record, then both DKIM and SMTP are indicated as not being  
supported at the domain.

-Doug
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