Security Basics mailing list archives

Re: Verifying E-Mail Addresses


From: "Jason Muskat, GCFA, GCUX, de VE3TSJ" <Jason () TechDude Ca>
Date: Thu, 02 Nov 2006 19:58:00 -0500

Hello,

The security issue would be if one could verify 3rd party email addresses.
An organization being lazy and cheap wanting not to verify users before
granting them access is questionable organization decision, not a security
issue. 

Regards,

-- 
Jason Muskat  | GCFA, GCUX - de VE3TSJ
____________________________
TechDude
e. Jason () TechDude Ca
m. 416 .414 .9934

http://TechDude.Ca/


From: Mister Dookie <misterdookie () gmail com>
Date: Tue, 24 Oct 2006 17:02:32 -0400
To: <security-basics () securityfocus com>
Subject: Verifying E-Mail Addresses
Resent-From: <security-basics-return-41553 () securityfocus com>
Resent-Date: Tue, 24 Oct 2006 14:48:44 -0600 (MDT)

Hello list,

Is there a way to verify that an e-mail address
(e.g."johnsmith () company com") is valid and exists or does not exist
(is a fake e-mail address) without actually sending a message to that
address and awaiting the response?

Here's why this is a security issue. Our company administers a small
"municipal-type" 802.11 network where for limited open-access the only
form of ID we require is an e-mail address and a password. We simple
don't have the resources to send out e-mails and then have
verification and so forth. We are trying to prevent users from
entering fake addresses into our system. We want at least a small
amount of accountability.

We would like to be able to do a quick check, say query an IMAP, POP3,
or SMTP and check to see if there is actually an account at that
address without sending a verification e-mail and waiting for users to
click on a link or get something that bounces back. Does something
like that exist?

I do recognize that somebody can enter a valid e-mail address that
does not belong to them, but we are trying to address one issue at a
time. At this point we are just trying to prevent people who give us
"dude () dude com" from getting on to our network.

Thanks,
John

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This list is sponsored by: Norwich University

EARN A MASTER OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION ASSURANCE - ONLINE
The NSA has designated Norwich University a center of Academic Excellence 
in Information Security. Our program offers unparalleled Infosec management 
education and the case study affords you unmatched consulting experience. 
Using interactive e-Learning technology, you can earn this esteemed degree, 
without disrupting your career or home life.

http://www.msia.norwich.edu/secfocus
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