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I can’t tell if that’s terrible or awesome.

This is a mathematical problem like poker. On one hand, it exposes the issue for attack by hackers who didn't know about it before. But it also makes systems in the future more secure. What is the probability that a malicious hacker has found this issue before you and is using it to attack java based systems? What is the probability that after you expose the issue, all the vulnerable systems will be patched with your suggestion?

I'm curious what other hackers think of this. I've found XSS vulnerabilities in sites and other security issues. What do you do when you find these? Do you notify the sites? Sometimes I notify the website of the issue, sometimes I don't. I struggle with the decision myself, but I don't think I'd ever go open with such a vulnerability without first being more determined about getting a response from those who can fix the issue before the hackers find it.



Tell the website first. Always.




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