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eval() function could be dangerous.

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    eval() function could be dangerous.

    Does anyone know if the xBasic eval() function many of us have used for years has the same dangers and warnings the javascript eval() function has ?
    https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/...l_Objects/eval
    Capture.png
    Gregg
    https://paiza.io is a great site to test and share sql code

    #2
    I don't see how. For one thing JS is client-side. Xbasic is server-side. A user doesn't have access to the server-side. They can't execute arbitrary server-side code.
    Mike Brown - Contact Me
    Programmatic Technologies, LLC
    Programmatic-Technologies.com
    Independent Developer & Consultant​​

    Comment


      #3
      Hi Mike,

      Does that line of think hold true for your client as well ?
      Gregg
      https://paiza.io is a great site to test and share sql code

      Comment


        #4
        That would hold true to all of my own clients. A user doesn't have the ability to access and/or run their own server-side code from the client-side of things.
        Mike Brown - Contact Me
        Programmatic Technologies, LLC
        Programmatic-Technologies.com
        Independent Developer & Consultant​​

        Comment


          #5
          I guess I did a poor job of asking that question.
          You made the part about your server being protected quite clear,
          but you ignore the affect eval(), the javascript function, and have
          on your client's computers.
          Gregg
          https://paiza.io is a great site to test and share sql code

          Comment


            #6
            I'm sorry, I'm lost now. No where do I mention using eval() client-side. Anyways, maybe someone else will answer your question.
            Mike Brown - Contact Me
            Programmatic Technologies, LLC
            Programmatic-Technologies.com
            Independent Developer & Consultant​​

            Comment


              #7
              This is what happens when I start messing around with things I should leave alone.
              My thoughts swirl around in my head, an while they're valid, the output is anyone's guess.
              Knowing that Alpha has written their own js functions, I have a feeling that several enthusiasts
              will think js eval() function is as safe as xbasic eval().
              Gregg
              https://paiza.io is a great site to test and share sql code

              Comment


                #8
                Sure eval (js) is as safe as eval(xb) if you use them both serverside in Alpha. I do not mean nodejs here. I have noticed that performance in loops is better with javascript. But the real life problem is of course how to pass data between serverside xbasic and javascript.

                Comment


                  #9
                  Hi KK,

                  It appears my intent was missed.
                  Alpha Software has gone out of it's way to help us deliver "safe" applications to our clients.
                  From informing us about Log4j ramifications to updating ssl/tsl keys, to strongly suggesting
                  we use sql arguments instead of regular text to prevent sql injection attacks.

                  I don't know which came first, XB eval() or JS eval(), but I am not the only one to be surprised by JS eval().
                  I was further surprise to find no mention of JS eval() in Alpha's documentation nor any mention of it's danger
                  evidenced by the warning displayed on multiple sites while looking for details on the function.

                  I could understand if this was about cobol, pascal, or react, but this is javascript, a language so prevalent
                  that Alpha Software has it's own javascript libraries that due to a well earned reputation are presumed to
                  be save by the many subscribers that pay annual fees to use this product.
                  Gregg
                  https://paiza.io is a great site to test and share sql code

                  Comment


                    #10
                    I may be missing something here, but what have the 2 functions in JS & XB got in common? If Honda put out a recall for one of their cars you wouldn't stop driving your Ford.

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Using an analogy based on your question, We know Honda had a great car in the prelude (xb). Now Ford comes out with their own prelude (js).
                      The Ford looks like Honda's prelude and mostly functions like Honda's prelude, but has one important characteristic Honda does not have.
                      The Ford has a safety issue (drivers don't survive a crash with a combined speed of more 15 mph).
                      Honda knows about this difference.

                      Do you think Honda should give their clients notice of the harmful look alike ?
                      Gregg
                      https://paiza.io is a great site to test and share sql code

                      Comment


                        #12
                        Contact Alpha about it.
                        Mike Brown - Contact Me
                        Programmatic Technologies, LLC
                        Programmatic-Technologies.com
                        Independent Developer & Consultant​​

                        Comment


                          #13
                          I think the interesting question is when did developers decide that eval (js) is a dangerous function. Obviously it has not always considered to be a dangerous function. The danger is that it is very easy to use wrong but if it can not be modified by the user then it is not dangerous at all.

                          Actually exactly same is with sql injection. Everybody says that use arguments, you must use arguments but for sure you do not need if there is no user input.

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