spf-discuss
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Re: Why not just use S/MIME or GPG signatures?

2003-10-13 13:54:02
Edward Ned Harvey wrote:

I disagree that it's compatible with spf.  Most isp's and
corporate networks filter outbound traffic on tcp/25.
The fact that ISPs are filtering outbound traffic on tcp/25 cannot be
blamed on spf. On the contrary if spf was in wide use, ISPs would have
one less reason to do this filtering.

Loic

I don't blame the actions of ISPs on spf.  Nobody's using spf.  How could it
be spf's fault.

But ISPs do in fact use port filtering.  And that's a problem for SPF.

Oops sorry, you are completely right, I misread your remark.

There are workarounds around that blocking problem (in possible deployment order): a) you could spf-include some ISPs for your email domains when possible and appropriate, b) some isp could be globally whitelisted (if they ensure no forging can come from them), c) maybe the best solution would be to encourage email servers to provide a authenticated-only smtp service on another different port (say 26, some people are actually already doing this), in some sense separating MUA->MTA service and MTA<->MTA service by simply assigning them different ports makes sense (originally I don't think smtp was intended for MUAs anyway, even if it looks fit for this after you add authentication).

I really like c) because it really makes spf compatible with all the current dialups-filtering/port25-blocking anti-spam techniques. That would for instance seriously limit the possibility of thrown-away domains used in combination with hijacked or misconfigured dialups/DSL/cable machines. SPF is mainly about avoiding a forged from, and if it complements current antispam techniques rather than proposing to replace them, it would make things much easier (IMHO to block outgoing port 25 by default for a machine is a good thing, even if of course every ISP should provide the option not do to it for free ...).

In summary, what do you think about proposing the adoption of another port for MUA->MTA communication?

Regards,

Loic




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