[ntp:questions] Re: Strange ntpd problem

John DeDourek dedourek at unb.ca
Mon May 30 10:01:58 UTC 2005



Harlan Stenn wrote:
> We're not executing code from the stack.
> 
> Many programs do call functions via a jump table or via data structures.
> 
> If you look at the code, you will even find an occasional 'goto'.
> 
> Let's watch the FUD, 'k?
> 
> H

Yes.  I expected, in the case of ntpd, executing code from
the stack was the least likely, of the three possible
causes that I listed for the problem.  Ntpd  has a history
of being very carefully crafted.  My guess is that the
problem is more likely due to the test being wrong in the
Linux kernel.  However, something strange in the C library is
still a possibility.  A remote possibility is
also that the compiler is generating some unusual code that
is being misinterpreted by the check.  I am watching with
interest to see how this is eventually resolved.  (Note
that the problem is affecting more services than just ntpd.)




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