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Re: 2821 5yz Typo - Client Retry Gaffe (fixed in 2821bis)

2008-08-10 06:59:29

John C Klensin wrote:

<McQuilWP(_at_)pobox(_dot_)com> wrote:

There is no contradiction here! Only a clarification of the
duties of different ends of the dialog.

That was certainly the intent.

I don't think that is the issue. The issue is now what does a DATA response of 5yz means. What you have in 2821/2821bis:

  [2821/2821bis - 4.2.5]

  When an SMTP server returns a permanent error status (5yz) code
  after the DATA command is completed with <CRLF>.<CRLF>, it MUST
  NOT make any subsequent attempt to deliver the message.  As
  with temporary error status codes, the SMTP client retains
  responsibility for the message, but SHOULD not again attempt
  delivery to the same server without user review of the message
  and response and appropriate intervention.

It appears, at least with Glenn's MTA, it is assuming in a multiple RCPT reply code scenario with DATA 5yz:

   RCPT USER1 -> 250 -> DATA 5yz -> delivered
   RCPT USER2 -> 450 -> DATA 5yz -> not delivered, MTA will retry.

The correct behavior this deliver, not deliver is when DATA is 250.

Am I wrong?

I am thinking the current specs 2821 which incorrectly says is the source of the problem:

   [2821 - 4.2.5]

   When an SMTP server returns a permanent error status (5yz) code
   after the DATA command is completed with <CRLF>.<CRLF>, it MUST
   NOT make any subsequent attempt to deliver that message.  The
   SMTP client retains responsibility for delivery of that message
   and may either return it to the user or requeue it for a
   subsequent attempt (see section 4.5.4.1).

But you corrected this in 2821bis. Do people believe this current 2821 semantic is correct?

--
Sincerely

Hector Santos, CTO
http://www.santronics.com
http://santronics.blogspot.com

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