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Revision 1.10 by root, Thu Nov 28 16:09:04 2013 UTC vs.
Revision 1.18 by root, Wed Dec 7 14:14:30 2016 UTC

44 about 20% smaller than the same data encoded as (compact) JSON or 44 about 20% smaller than the same data encoded as (compact) JSON or
45 Storable. 45 Storable.
46 46
47 In addition to the core CBOR data format, this module implements a 47 In addition to the core CBOR data format, this module implements a
48 number of extensions, to support cyclic and shared data structures (see 48 number of extensions, to support cyclic and shared data structures (see
49 "allow_sharing"), string deduplication (see "pack_strings") and scalar 49 "allow_sharing" and "allow_cycles"), string deduplication (see
50 references (always enabled). 50 "pack_strings") and scalar references (always enabled).
51 51
52 The primary goal of this module is to be *correct* and the secondary 52 The primary goal of this module is to be *correct* and the secondary
53 goal is to be *fast*. To reach the latter goal it was written in C. 53 goal is to be *fast*. To reach the latter goal it was written in C.
54 54
55 See MAPPING, below, on how CBOR::XS maps perl values to CBOR values and 55 See MAPPING, below, on how CBOR::XS maps perl values to CBOR values and
78 78
79 The mutators for flags all return the CBOR object again and thus 79 The mutators for flags all return the CBOR object again and thus
80 calls can be chained: 80 calls can be chained:
81 81
82 my $cbor = CBOR::XS->new->encode ({a => [1,2]}); 82 my $cbor = CBOR::XS->new->encode ({a => [1,2]});
83
84 $cbor = new_safe CBOR::XS
85 Create a new, safe/secure CBOR::XS object. This is similar to "new",
86 but configures the coder object to be safe to use with untrusted
87 data. Currently, this is equivalent to:
88
89 my $cbor = CBOR::XS
90 ->new
91 ->forbid_objects
92 ->filter (\&CBOR::XS::safe_filter)
93 ->max_size (1e8);
94
95 But is more future proof (it is better to crash because of a change
96 than to be exploited in other ways).
83 97
84 $cbor = $cbor->max_depth ([$maximum_nesting_depth]) 98 $cbor = $cbor->max_depth ([$maximum_nesting_depth])
85 $max_depth = $cbor->get_max_depth 99 $max_depth = $cbor->get_max_depth
86 Sets the maximum nesting level (default 512) accepted while encoding 100 Sets the maximum nesting level (default 512) accepted while encoding
87 or decoding. If a higher nesting level is detected in CBOR data or a 101 or decoding. If a higher nesting level is detected in CBOR data or a
101 115
102 Note that nesting is implemented by recursion in C. The default 116 Note that nesting is implemented by recursion in C. The default
103 value has been chosen to be as large as typical operating systems 117 value has been chosen to be as large as typical operating systems
104 allow without crashing. 118 allow without crashing.
105 119
106 See SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS, below, for more info on why this is 120 See "SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS", below, for more info on why this is
107 useful. 121 useful.
108 122
109 $cbor = $cbor->max_size ([$maximum_string_size]) 123 $cbor = $cbor->max_size ([$maximum_string_size])
110 $max_size = $cbor->get_max_size 124 $max_size = $cbor->get_max_size
111 Set the maximum length a CBOR string may have (in bytes) where 125 Set the maximum length a CBOR string may have (in bytes) where
115 exception. This setting has no effect on "encode" (yet). 129 exception. This setting has no effect on "encode" (yet).
116 130
117 If no argument is given, the limit check will be deactivated (same 131 If no argument is given, the limit check will be deactivated (same
118 as when 0 is specified). 132 as when 0 is specified).
119 133
120 See SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS, below, for more info on why this is 134 See "SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS", below, for more info on why this is
121 useful. 135 useful.
122 136
123 $cbor = $cbor->allow_unknown ([$enable]) 137 $cbor = $cbor->allow_unknown ([$enable])
124 $enabled = $cbor->get_allow_unknown 138 $enabled = $cbor->get_allow_unknown
125 If $enable is true (or missing), then "encode" will *not* throw an 139 If $enable is true (or missing), then "encode" will *not* throw an
141 instead will emit a reference to the earlier value. 155 instead will emit a reference to the earlier value.
142 156
143 This means that such values will only be encoded once, and will not 157 This means that such values will only be encoded once, and will not
144 result in a deep cloning of the value on decode, in decoders 158 result in a deep cloning of the value on decode, in decoders
145 supporting the value sharing extension. This also makes it possible 159 supporting the value sharing extension. This also makes it possible
146 to encode cyclic data structures. 160 to encode cyclic data structures (which need "allow_cycles" to be
161 enabled to be decoded by this module).
147 162
148 It is recommended to leave it off unless you know your communication 163 It is recommended to leave it off unless you know your communication
149 partner supports the value sharing extensions to CBOR 164 partner supports the value sharing extensions to CBOR
150 (<http://cbor.schmorp.de/value-sharing>), as without decoder 165 (<http://cbor.schmorp.de/value-sharing>), as without decoder
151 support, the resulting data structure might be unusable. 166 support, the resulting data structure might be unusable.
152 167
153 Detecting shared values incurs a runtime overhead when values are 168 Detecting shared values incurs a runtime overhead when values are
154 encoded that have a reference counter large than one, and might 169 encoded that have a reference counter large than one, and might
155 unnecessarily increase the encoded size, as potentially shared 170 unnecessarily increase the encoded size, as potentially shared
156 values are encode as sharable whether or not they are actually 171 values are encode as shareable whether or not they are actually
157 shared. 172 shared.
158 173
159 At the moment, only targets of references can be shared (e.g. 174 At the moment, only targets of references can be shared (e.g.
160 scalars, arrays or hashes pointed to by a reference). Weirder 175 scalars, arrays or hashes pointed to by a reference). Weirder
161 constructs, such as an array with multiple "copies" of the *same* 176 constructs, such as an array with multiple "copies" of the *same*
166 data structures repeatedly, unsharing them in the process. Cyclic 181 data structures repeatedly, unsharing them in the process. Cyclic
167 data structures cannot be encoded in this mode. 182 data structures cannot be encoded in this mode.
168 183
169 This option does not affect "decode" in any way - shared values and 184 This option does not affect "decode" in any way - shared values and
170 references will always be decoded properly if present. 185 references will always be decoded properly if present.
186
187 $cbor = $cbor->allow_cycles ([$enable])
188 $enabled = $cbor->get_allow_cycles
189 If $enable is true (or missing), then "decode" will happily decode
190 self-referential (cyclic) data structures. By default these will not
191 be decoded, as they need manual cleanup to avoid memory leaks, so
192 code that isn't prepared for this will not leak memory.
193
194 If $enable is false (the default), then "decode" will throw an error
195 when it encounters a self-referential/cyclic data structure.
196
197 FUTURE DIRECTION: the motivation behind this option is to avoid
198 *real* cycles - future versions of this module might chose to decode
199 cyclic data structures using weak references when this option is
200 off, instead of throwing an error.
201
202 This option does not affect "encode" in any way - shared values and
203 references will always be encoded properly if present.
204
205 $cbor = $cbor->forbid_objects ([$enable])
206 $enabled = $cbor->get_forbid_objects
207 Disables the use of the object serialiser protocol.
208
209 If $enable is true (or missing), then "encode" will will throw an
210 exception when it encounters perl objects that would be encoded
211 using the perl-object tag (26). When "decode" encounters such tags,
212 it will fall back to the general filter/tagged logic as if this were
213 an unknown tag (by default resulting in a "CBOR::XC::Tagged"
214 object).
215
216 If $enable is false (the default), then "encode" will use the
217 Types::Serialiser object serialisation protocol to serialise objects
218 into perl-object tags, and "decode" will do the same to decode such
219 tags.
220
221 See "SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS", below, for more info on why
222 forbidding this protocol can be useful.
171 223
172 $cbor = $cbor->pack_strings ([$enable]) 224 $cbor = $cbor->pack_strings ([$enable])
173 $enabled = $cbor->get_pack_strings 225 $enabled = $cbor->get_pack_strings
174 If $enable is true (or missing), then "encode" will try not to 226 If $enable is true (or missing), then "encode" will try not to
175 encode the same string twice, but will instead encode a reference to 227 encode the same string twice, but will instead encode a reference to
186 the standard CBOR way. 238 the standard CBOR way.
187 239
188 This option does not affect "decode" in any way - string references 240 This option does not affect "decode" in any way - string references
189 will always be decoded properly if present. 241 will always be decoded properly if present.
190 242
243 $cbor = $cbor->text_keys ([$enable])
244 $enabled = $cbor->get_text_keys
245 If $enabled is true (or missing), then "encode" will encode all perl
246 hash keys as CBOR text strings/UTF-8 string, upgrading them as
247 needed.
248
249 If $enable is false (the default), then "encode" will encode hash
250 keys normally - upgraded perl strings (strings internally encoded as
251 UTF-8) as CBOR text strings, and downgraded perl strings as CBOR
252 byte strings.
253
254 This option does not affect "decode" in any way.
255
256 This option is useful for interoperability with CBOR decoders that
257 don't treat byte strings as a form of text. It is especially useful
258 as Perl gives very little control over hash keys.
259
260 Enabling this option can be slow, as all downgraded hash keys that
261 are encoded need to be scanned and converted to UTF-8.
262
263 $cbor = $cbor->text_strings ([$enable])
264 $enabled = $cbor->get_text_strings
265 This option works similar to "text_keys", above, but works on all
266 strings (including hash keys), so "text_keys" has no further effect
267 after enabling "text_strings".
268
269 If $enabled is true (or missing), then "encode" will encode all perl
270 strings as CBOR text strings/UTF-8 strings, upgrading them as
271 needed.
272
273 If $enable is false (the default), then "encode" will encode strings
274 normally (but see "text_keys") - upgraded perl strings (strings
275 internally encoded as UTF-8) as CBOR text strings, and downgraded
276 perl strings as CBOR byte strings.
277
278 This option does not affect "decode" in any way.
279
280 This option has similar advantages and disadvantages as "text_keys".
281 In addition, this option effectively removes the ability to encode
282 byte strings, which might break some "FREEZE" and "TO_CBOR" methods
283 that rely on this, such as bignum encoding, so this option is mainly
284 useful for very simple data.
285
286 $cbor = $cbor->validate_utf8 ([$enable])
287 $enabled = $cbor->get_validate_utf8
288 If $enable is true (or missing), then "decode" will validate that
289 elements (text strings) containing UTF-8 data in fact contain valid
290 UTF-8 data (instead of blindly accepting it). This validation
291 obviously takes extra time during decoding.
292
293 The concept of "valid UTF-8" used is perl's concept, which is a
294 superset of the official UTF-8.
295
296 If $enable is false (the default), then "decode" will blindly accept
297 UTF-8 data, marking them as valid UTF-8 in the resulting data
298 structure regardless of whether that's true or not.
299
300 Perl isn't too happy about corrupted UTF-8 in strings, but should
301 generally not crash or do similarly evil things. Extensions might be
302 not so forgiving, so it's recommended to turn on this setting if you
303 receive untrusted CBOR.
304
305 This option does not affect "encode" in any way - strings that are
306 supposedly valid UTF-8 will simply be dumped into the resulting CBOR
307 string without checking whether that is, in fact, true or not.
308
191 $cbor = $cbor->filter ([$cb->($tag, $value)]) 309 $cbor = $cbor->filter ([$cb->($tag, $value)])
192 $cb_or_undef = $cbor->get_filter 310 $cb_or_undef = $cbor->get_filter
193 Sets or replaces the tagged value decoding filter (when $cb is 311 Sets or replaces the tagged value decoding filter (when $cb is
194 specified) or clears the filter (if no argument or "undef" is 312 specified) or clears the filter (if no argument or "undef" is
195 provided). 313 provided).
212 When the filter is cleared (the default state), the default filter 330 When the filter is cleared (the default state), the default filter
213 function, "CBOR::XS::default_filter", is used. This function simply 331 function, "CBOR::XS::default_filter", is used. This function simply
214 looks up the tag in the %CBOR::XS::FILTER hash. If an entry exists 332 looks up the tag in the %CBOR::XS::FILTER hash. If an entry exists
215 it must be a code reference that is called with tag and value, and 333 it must be a code reference that is called with tag and value, and
216 is responsible for decoding the value. If no entry exists, it 334 is responsible for decoding the value. If no entry exists, it
217 returns no values. 335 returns no values. "CBOR::XS" provides a number of default filter
336 functions already, the the %CBOR::XS::FILTER hash can be freely
337 extended with more.
338
339 "CBOR::XS" additionally provides an alternative filter function that
340 is supposed to be safe to use with untrusted data (which the default
341 filter might not), called "CBOR::XS::safe_filter", which works the
342 same as the "default_filter" but uses the %CBOR::XS::SAFE_FILTER
343 variable instead. It is prepopulated with the tag decoding functions
344 that are deemed safe (basically the same as %CBOR::XS::FILTER
345 without all the bignum tags), and can be extended by user code as
346 wlel, although, obviously, one should be very careful about adding
347 decoding functions here, since the expectation is that they are safe
348 to use on untrusted data, after all.
218 349
219 Example: decode all tags not handled internally into 350 Example: decode all tags not handled internally into
220 "CBOR::XS::Tagged" objects, with no other special handling (useful 351 "CBOR::XS::Tagged" objects, with no other special handling (useful
221 when working with potentially "unsafe" CBOR data). 352 when working with potentially "unsafe" CBOR data).
222 353
228 $CBOR::XS::FILTER{1347375694} = sub { 359 $CBOR::XS::FILTER{1347375694} = sub {
229 my ($tag, $value); 360 my ($tag, $value);
230 361
231 "tag 1347375694 value $value" 362 "tag 1347375694 value $value"
232 }; 363 };
364
365 Example: provide your own filter function that looks up tags in your
366 own hash:
367
368 my %my_filter = (
369 998347484 => sub {
370 my ($tag, $value);
371
372 "tag 998347484 value $value"
373 };
374 );
375
376 my $coder = CBOR::XS->new->filter (sub {
377 &{ $my_filter{$_[0]} or return }
378 });
379
380 Example: use the safe filter function (see "SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS"
381 for more considerations on security).
382
383 CBOR::XS->new->filter (\&CBOR::XS::safe_filter)->decode ($cbor_data);
233 384
234 $cbor_data = $cbor->encode ($perl_scalar) 385 $cbor_data = $cbor->encode ($perl_scalar)
235 Converts the given Perl data structure (a scalar value) to its CBOR 386 Converts the given Perl data structure (a scalar value) to its CBOR
236 representation. 387 representation.
237 388
249 protocol and you need to know where the first CBOR string ends amd 400 protocol and you need to know where the first CBOR string ends amd
250 the next one starts. 401 the next one starts.
251 402
252 CBOR::XS->new->decode_prefix ("......") 403 CBOR::XS->new->decode_prefix ("......")
253 => ("...", 3) 404 => ("...", 3)
405
406 INCREMENTAL PARSING
407 In some cases, there is the need for incremental parsing of JSON texts.
408 While this module always has to keep both CBOR text and resulting Perl
409 data structure in memory at one time, it does allow you to parse a CBOR
410 stream incrementally, using a similar to using "decode_prefix" to see if
411 a full CBOR object is available, but is much more efficient.
412
413 It basically works by parsing as much of a CBOR string as possible - if
414 the CBOR data is not complete yet, the pasrer will remember where it
415 was, to be able to restart when more data has been accumulated. Once
416 enough data is available to either decode a complete CBOR value or raise
417 an error, a real decode will be attempted.
418
419 A typical use case would be a network protocol that consists of sending
420 and receiving CBOR-encoded messages. The solution that works with CBOR
421 and about anything else is by prepending a length to every CBOR value,
422 so the receiver knows how many octets to read. More compact (and
423 slightly slower) would be to just send CBOR values back-to-back, as
424 "CBOR::XS" knows where a CBOR value ends, and doesn't need an explicit
425 length.
426
427 The following methods help with this:
428
429 @decoded = $cbor->incr_parse ($buffer)
430 This method attempts to decode exactly one CBOR value from the
431 beginning of the given $buffer. The value is removed from the
432 $buffer on success. When $buffer doesn't contain a complete value
433 yet, it returns nothing. Finally, when the $buffer doesn't start
434 with something that could ever be a valid CBOR value, it raises an
435 exception, just as "decode" would. In the latter case the decoder
436 state is undefined and must be reset before being able to parse
437 further.
438
439 This method modifies the $buffer in place. When no CBOR value can be
440 decoded, the decoder stores the current string offset. On the next
441 call, continues decoding at the place where it stopped before. For
442 this to make sense, the $buffer must begin with the same octets as
443 on previous unsuccessful calls.
444
445 You can call this method in scalar context, in which case it either
446 returns a decoded value or "undef". This makes it impossible to
447 distinguish between CBOR null values (which decode to "undef") and
448 an unsuccessful decode, which is often acceptable.
449
450 @decoded = $cbor->incr_parse_multiple ($buffer)
451 Same as "incr_parse", but attempts to decode as many CBOR values as
452 possible in one go, instead of at most one. Calls to "incr_parse"
453 and "incr_parse_multiple" can be interleaved.
454
455 $cbor->incr_reset
456 Resets the incremental decoder. This throws away any saved state, so
457 that subsequent calls to "incr_parse" or "incr_parse_multiple" start
458 to parse a new CBOR value from the beginning of the $buffer again.
459
460 This method can be called at any time, but it *must* be called if
461 you want to change your $buffer or there was a decoding error and
462 you want to reuse the $cbor object for future incremental parsings.
254 463
255MAPPING 464MAPPING
256 This section describes how CBOR::XS maps Perl values to CBOR values and 465 This section describes how CBOR::XS maps Perl values to CBOR values and
257 vice versa. These mappings are designed to "do the right thing" in most 466 vice versa. These mappings are designed to "do the right thing" in most
258 circumstances automatically, preserving round-tripping characteristics 467 circumstances automatically, preserving round-tripping characteristics
309 518
310 hash references 519 hash references
311 Perl hash references become CBOR maps. As there is no inherent 520 Perl hash references become CBOR maps. As there is no inherent
312 ordering in hash keys (or CBOR maps), they will usually be encoded 521 ordering in hash keys (or CBOR maps), they will usually be encoded
313 in a pseudo-random order. This order can be different each time a 522 in a pseudo-random order. This order can be different each time a
314 hahs is encoded. 523 hash is encoded.
315 524
316 Currently, tied hashes will use the indefinite-length format, while 525 Currently, tied hashes will use the indefinite-length format, while
317 normal hashes will use the fixed-length format. 526 normal hashes will use the fixed-length format.
318 527
319 array references 528 array references
368 my $x = 3.1; # some variable containing a number 577 my $x = 3.1; # some variable containing a number
369 "$x"; # stringified 578 "$x"; # stringified
370 $x .= ""; # another, more awkward way to stringify 579 $x .= ""; # another, more awkward way to stringify
371 print $x; # perl does it for you, too, quite often 580 print $x; # perl does it for you, too, quite often
372 581
373 You can force whether a string ie encoded as byte or text string by 582 You can force whether a string is encoded as byte or text string by
374 using "utf8::upgrade" and "utf8::downgrade"): 583 using "utf8::upgrade" and "utf8::downgrade" (if "text_strings" is
584 disabled):
375 585
376 utf8::upgrade $x; # encode $x as text string 586 utf8::upgrade $x; # encode $x as text string
377 utf8::downgrade $x; # encode $x as byte string 587 utf8::downgrade $x; # encode $x as byte string
378 588
379 Perl doesn't define what operations up- and downgrade strings, so if 589 Perl doesn't define what operations up- and downgrade strings, so if
380 the difference between byte and text is important, you should up- or 590 the difference between byte and text is important, you should up- or
381 downgrade your string as late as possible before encoding. 591 downgrade your string as late as possible before encoding. You can
592 also force the use of CBOR text strings by using "text_keys" or
593 "text_strings".
382 594
383 You can force the type to be a CBOR number by numifying it: 595 You can force the type to be a CBOR number by numifying it:
384 596
385 my $x = "3"; # some variable containing a string 597 my $x = "3"; # some variable containing a string
386 $x += 0; # numify it, ensuring it will be dumped as a number 598 $x += 0; # numify it, ensuring it will be dumped as a number
396 the IEEE double format will be used. Perls that use formats other 608 the IEEE double format will be used. Perls that use formats other
397 than IEEE double to represent numerical values are supported, but 609 than IEEE double to represent numerical values are supported, but
398 might suffer loss of precision. 610 might suffer loss of precision.
399 611
400 OBJECT SERIALISATION 612 OBJECT SERIALISATION
613 This module implements both a CBOR-specific and the generic
614 Types::Serialier object serialisation protocol. The following
615 subsections explain both methods.
616
617 ENCODING
401 This module knows two way to serialise a Perl object: The CBOR-specific 618 This module knows two way to serialise a Perl object: The CBOR-specific
402 way, and the generic way. 619 way, and the generic way.
403 620
404 Whenever the encoder encounters a Perl object that it cnanot serialise 621 Whenever the encoder encounters a Perl object that it cannot serialise
405 directly (most of them), it will first look up the "TO_CBOR" method on 622 directly (most of them), it will first look up the "TO_CBOR" method on
406 it. 623 it.
407 624
408 If it has a "TO_CBOR" method, it will call it with the object as only 625 If it has a "TO_CBOR" method, it will call it with the object as only
409 argument, and expects exactly one return value, which it will then 626 argument, and expects exactly one return value, which it will then
414 "CBOR" as the second argument, to distinguish it from other serialisers. 631 "CBOR" as the second argument, to distinguish it from other serialisers.
415 632
416 The "FREEZE" method can return any number of values (i.e. zero or more). 633 The "FREEZE" method can return any number of values (i.e. zero or more).
417 These will be encoded as CBOR perl object, together with the classname. 634 These will be encoded as CBOR perl object, together with the classname.
418 635
636 These methods *MUST NOT* change the data structure that is being
637 serialised. Failure to comply to this can result in memory corruption -
638 and worse.
639
419 If an object supports neither "TO_CBOR" nor "FREEZE", encoding will fail 640 If an object supports neither "TO_CBOR" nor "FREEZE", encoding will fail
420 with an error. 641 with an error.
421 642
643 DECODING
422 Objects encoded via "TO_CBOR" cannot be automatically decoded, but 644 Objects encoded via "TO_CBOR" cannot (normally) be automatically
423 objects encoded via "FREEZE" can be decoded using the following 645 decoded, but objects encoded via "FREEZE" can be decoded using the
424 protocol: 646 following protocol:
425 647
426 When an encoded CBOR perl object is encountered by the decoder, it will 648 When an encoded CBOR perl object is encountered by the decoder, it will
427 look up the "THAW" method, by using the stored classname, and will fail 649 look up the "THAW" method, by using the stored classname, and will fail
428 if the method cannot be found. 650 if the method cannot be found.
429 651
471 "$self" # encode url string 693 "$self" # encode url string
472 } 694 }
473 695
474 sub URI::THAW { 696 sub URI::THAW {
475 my ($class, $serialiser, $uri) = @_; 697 my ($class, $serialiser, $uri) = @_;
476
477 $class->new ($uri) 698 $class->new ($uri)
478 } 699 }
479 700
480 Unlike "TO_CBOR", multiple values can be returned by "FREEZE". For 701 Unlike "TO_CBOR", multiple values can be returned by "FREEZE". For
481 example, a "FREEZE" method that returns "type", "id" and "variant" 702 example, a "FREEZE" method that returns "type", "id" and "variant"
577 Future versions of this module reserve the right to special case 798 Future versions of this module reserve the right to special case
578 additional tags (such as base64url). 799 additional tags (such as base64url).
579 800
580 ENFORCED TAGS 801 ENFORCED TAGS
581 These tags are always handled when decoding, and their handling cannot 802 These tags are always handled when decoding, and their handling cannot
582 be overriden by the user. 803 be overridden by the user.
583 804
584 26 (perl-object, <http://cbor.schmorp.de/perl-object>) 805 26 (perl-object, <http://cbor.schmorp.de/perl-object>)
585 These tags are automatically created (and decoded) for serialisable 806 These tags are automatically created (and decoded) for serialisable
586 objects using the "FREEZE/THAW" methods (the Types::Serialier object 807 objects using the "FREEZE/THAW" methods (the Types::Serialier object
587 serialisation protocol). See "OBJECT SERIALISATION" for details. 808 serialisation protocol). See "OBJECT SERIALISATION" for details.
588 809
589 28, 29 (sharable, sharedref, L <http://cbor.schmorp.de/value-sharing>) 810 28, 29 (shareable, sharedref, <http://cbor.schmorp.de/value-sharing>)
590 These tags are automatically decoded when encountered, resulting in 811 These tags are automatically decoded when encountered (and they do
812 not result in a cyclic data structure, see "allow_cycles"),
591 shared values in the decoded object. They are only encoded, however, 813 resulting in shared values in the decoded object. They are only
592 when "allow_sharable" is enabled. 814 encoded, however, when "allow_sharing" is enabled.
593 815
816 Not all shared values can be successfully decoded: values that
817 reference themselves will *currently* decode as "undef" (this is not
818 the same as a reference pointing to itself, which will be
819 represented as a value that contains an indirect reference to itself
820 - these will be decoded properly).
821
822 Note that considerably more shared value data structures can be
823 decoded than will be encoded - currently, only values pointed to by
824 references will be shared, others will not. While non-reference
825 shared values can be generated in Perl with some effort, they were
826 considered too unimportant to be supported in the encoder. The
827 decoder, however, will decode these values as shared values.
828
594 256, 25 (stringref-namespace, stringref, L 829 256, 25 (stringref-namespace, stringref,
595 <http://cbor.schmorp.de/stringref>) 830 <http://cbor.schmorp.de/stringref>)
596 These tags are automatically decoded when encountered. They are only 831 These tags are automatically decoded when encountered. They are only
597 encoded, however, when "pack_strings" is enabled. 832 encoded, however, when "pack_strings" is enabled.
598 833
599 22098 (indirection, <http://cbor.schmorp.de/indirection>) 834 22098 (indirection, <http://cbor.schmorp.de/indirection>)
600 This tag is automatically generated when a reference are encountered 835 This tag is automatically generated when a reference are encountered
601 (with the exception of hash and array refernces). It is converted to 836 (with the exception of hash and array references). It is converted
602 a reference when decoding. 837 to a reference when decoding.
603 838
604 55799 (self-describe CBOR, RFC 7049) 839 55799 (self-describe CBOR, RFC 7049)
605 This value is not generated on encoding (unless explicitly requested 840 This value is not generated on encoding (unless explicitly requested
606 by the user), and is simply ignored when decoding. 841 by the user), and is simply ignored when decoding.
607 842
608 NON-ENFORCED TAGS 843 NON-ENFORCED TAGS
609 These tags have default filters provided when decoding. Their handling 844 These tags have default filters provided when decoding. Their handling
610 can be overriden by changing the %CBOR::XS::FILTER entry for the tag, or 845 can be overridden by changing the %CBOR::XS::FILTER entry for the tag,
611 by providing a custom "filter" callback when decoding. 846 or by providing a custom "filter" callback when decoding.
612 847
613 When they result in decoding into a specific Perl class, the module 848 When they result in decoding into a specific Perl class, the module
614 usually provides a corresponding "TO_CBOR" method as well. 849 usually provides a corresponding "TO_CBOR" method as well.
615 850
616 When any of these need to load additional modules that are not part of 851 When any of these need to load additional modules that are not part of
617 the perl core distribution (e.g. URI), it is (currently) up to the user 852 the perl core distribution (e.g. URI), it is (currently) up to the user
618 to provide these modules. The decoding usually fails with an exception 853 to provide these modules. The decoding usually fails with an exception
619 if the required module cannot be loaded. 854 if the required module cannot be loaded.
620 855
856 0, 1 (date/time string, seconds since the epoch)
857 These tags are decoded into Time::Piece objects. The corresponding
858 "Time::Piece::TO_CBOR" method always encodes into tag 1 values
859 currently.
860
861 The Time::Piece API is generally surprisingly bad, and fractional
862 seconds are only accidentally kept intact, so watch out. On the plus
863 side, the module comes with perl since 5.10, which has to count for
864 something.
865
621 2, 3 (positive/negative bignum) 866 2, 3 (positive/negative bignum)
622 These tags are decoded into Math::BigInt objects. The corresponding 867 These tags are decoded into Math::BigInt objects. The corresponding
623 "Math::BigInt::TO_CBOR" method encodes "small" bigints into normal 868 "Math::BigInt::TO_CBOR" method encodes "small" bigints into normal
624 CBOR integers, and others into positive/negative CBOR bignums. 869 CBOR integers, and others into positive/negative CBOR bignums.
625 870
626 4, 5 (decimal fraction/bigfloat) 871 4, 5, 264, 265 (decimal fraction/bigfloat)
627 Both decimal fractions and bigfloats are decoded into Math::BigFloat 872 Both decimal fractions and bigfloats are decoded into Math::BigFloat
628 objects. The corresponding "Math::BigFloat::TO_CBOR" method *always* 873 objects. The corresponding "Math::BigFloat::TO_CBOR" method *always*
629 encodes into a decimal fraction. 874 encodes into a decimal fraction (either tag 4 or 264).
630 875
631 CBOR cannot represent bigfloats with *very* large exponents -
632 conversion of such big float objects is undefined.
633
634 Also, NaN and infinities are not encoded properly. 876 NaN and infinities are not encoded properly, as they cannot be
877 represented in CBOR.
878
879 See "BIGNUM SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS" for more info.
880
881 30 (rational numbers)
882 These tags are decoded into Math::BigRat objects. The corresponding
883 "Math::BigRat::TO_CBOR" method encodes rational numbers with
884 denominator 1 via their numerator only, i.e., they become normal
885 integers or "bignums".
886
887 See "BIGNUM SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS" for more info.
635 888
636 21, 22, 23 (expected later JSON conversion) 889 21, 22, 23 (expected later JSON conversion)
637 CBOR::XS is not a CBOR-to-JSON converter, and will simply ignore 890 CBOR::XS is not a CBOR-to-JSON converter, and will simply ignore
638 these tags. 891 these tags.
639 892
653 interoperability is improved in the future, then the goal will be to 906 interoperability is improved in the future, then the goal will be to
654 ensure that decoded JSON data will round-trip encoding and decoding to 907 ensure that decoded JSON data will round-trip encoding and decoding to
655 CBOR intact. 908 CBOR intact.
656 909
657SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS 910SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS
658 When you are using CBOR in a protocol, talking to untrusted potentially 911 Tl;dr... if you want to decode or encode CBOR from untrusted sources,
659 hostile creatures requires relatively few measures. 912 you should start with a coder object created via "new_safe":
660 913
914 my $coder = CBOR::XS->new_safe;
915
916 my $data = $coder->decode ($cbor_text);
917 my $cbor = $coder->encode ($data);
918
919 Longer version: When you are using CBOR in a protocol, talking to
920 untrusted potentially hostile creatures requires some thought:
921
922 Security of the CBOR decoder itself
661 First of all, your CBOR decoder should be secure, that is, should not 923 First and foremost, your CBOR decoder should be secure, that is,
662 have any buffer overflows. Obviously, this module should ensure that and 924 should not have any buffer overflows or similar bugs that could
925 potentially be exploited. Obviously, this module should ensure that
663 I am trying hard on making that true, but you never know. 926 and I am trying hard on making that true, but you never know.
664 927
928 CBOR::XS can invoke almost arbitrary callbacks during decoding
929 CBOR::XS supports object serialisation - decoding CBOR can cause
930 calls to *any* "THAW" method in *any* package that exists in your
931 process (that is, CBOR::XS will not try to load modules, but any
932 existing "THAW" method or function can be called, so they all have
933 to be secure).
934
935 Less obviously, it will also invoke "TO_CBOR" and "FREEZE" methods -
936 even if all your "THAW" methods are secure, encoding data structures
937 from untrusted sources can invoke those and trigger bugs in those.
938
939 So, if you are not sure about the security of all the modules you
940 have loaded (you shouldn't), you should disable this part using
941 "forbid_objects".
942
943 CBOR can be extended with tags that call library code
944 CBOR can be extended with tags, and "CBOR::XS" has a registry of
945 conversion functions for many existing tags that can be extended via
946 third-party modules (see the "filter" method).
947
948 If you don't trust these, you should configure the "safe" filter
949 function, "CBOR::XS::safe_filter", which by default only includes
950 conversion functions that are considered "safe" by the author (but
951 again, they can be extended by third party modules).
952
953 Depending on your level of paranoia, you can use the "safe" filter:
954
955 $cbor->filter (\&CBOR::XS::safe_filter);
956
957 ... your own filter...
958
959 $cbor->filter (sub { ... do your stuffs here ... });
960
961 ... or even no filter at all, disabling all tag decoding:
962
963 $cbor->filter (sub { });
964
965 This is never a problem for encoding, as the tag mechanism only
966 exists in CBOR texts.
967
968 Resource-starving attacks: object memory usage
665 Second, you need to avoid resource-starving attacks. That means you 969 You need to avoid resource-starving attacks. That means you should
666 should limit the size of CBOR data you accept, or make sure then when 970 limit the size of CBOR data you accept, or make sure then when your
667 your resources run out, that's just fine (e.g. by using a separate 971 resources run out, that's just fine (e.g. by using a separate
668 process that can crash safely). The size of a CBOR string in octets is 972 process that can crash safely). The size of a CBOR string in octets
669 usually a good indication of the size of the resources required to 973 is usually a good indication of the size of the resources required
670 decode it into a Perl structure. While CBOR::XS can check the size of 974 to decode it into a Perl structure. While CBOR::XS can check the
671 the CBOR text, it might be too late when you already have it in memory, 975 size of the CBOR text (using "max_size"), it might be too late when
672 so you might want to check the size before you accept the string. 976 you already have it in memory, so you might want to check the size
977 before you accept the string.
673 978
979 As for encoding, it is possible to construct data structures that
980 are relatively small but result in large CBOR texts (for example by
981 having an array full of references to the same big data structure,
982 which will all be deep-cloned during encoding by default). This is
983 rarely an actual issue (and the worst case is still just running out
984 of memory), but you can reduce this risk by using "allow_sharing".
985
986 Resource-starving attacks: stack overflows
674 Third, CBOR::XS recurses using the C stack when decoding objects and 987 CBOR::XS recurses using the C stack when decoding objects and
675 arrays. The C stack is a limited resource: for instance, on my amd64 988 arrays. The C stack is a limited resource: for instance, on my amd64
676 machine with 8MB of stack size I can decode around 180k nested arrays 989 machine with 8MB of stack size I can decode around 180k nested
677 but only 14k nested CBOR objects (due to perl itself recursing deeply on 990 arrays but only 14k nested CBOR objects (due to perl itself
678 croak to free the temporary). If that is exceeded, the program crashes. 991 recursing deeply on croak to free the temporary). If that is
679 To be conservative, the default nesting limit is set to 512. If your 992 exceeded, the program crashes. To be conservative, the default
680 process has a smaller stack, you should adjust this setting accordingly 993 nesting limit is set to 512. If your process has a smaller stack,
681 with the "max_depth" method. 994 you should adjust this setting accordingly with the "max_depth"
995 method.
682 996
997 Resource-starving attacks: CPU en-/decoding complexity
998 CBOR::XS will use the Math::BigInt, Math::BigFloat and Math::BigRat
999 libraries to represent encode/decode bignums. These can be very slow
1000 (as in, centuries of CPU time) and can even crash your program (and
1001 are generally not very trustworthy). See the next section for
1002 details.
1003
1004 Data breaches: leaking information in error messages
1005 CBOR::XS might leak contents of your Perl data structures in its
1006 error messages, so when you serialise sensitive information you
1007 might want to make sure that exceptions thrown by CBOR::XS will not
1008 end up in front of untrusted eyes.
1009
1010 Something else...
683 Something else could bomb you, too, that I forgot to think of. In that 1011 Something else could bomb you, too, that I forgot to think of. In
684 case, you get to keep the pieces. I am always open for hints, though... 1012 that case, you get to keep the pieces. I am always open for hints,
1013 though...
685 1014
686 Also keep in mind that CBOR::XS might leak contents of your Perl data 1015BIGNUM SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS
687 structures in its error messages, so when you serialise sensitive 1016 CBOR::XS provides a "TO_CBOR" method for both Math::BigInt and
688 information you might want to make sure that exceptions thrown by 1017 Math::BigFloat that tries to encode the number in the simplest possible
689 CBOR::XS will not end up in front of untrusted eyes. 1018 way, that is, either a CBOR integer, a CBOR bigint/decimal fraction (tag
1019 4) or an arbitrary-exponent decimal fraction (tag 264). Rational numbers
1020 (Math::BigRat, tag 30) can also contain bignums as members.
1021
1022 CBOR::XS will also understand base-2 bigfloat or arbitrary-exponent
1023 bigfloats (tags 5 and 265), but it will never generate these on its own.
1024
1025 Using the built-in Math::BigInt::Calc support, encoding and decoding
1026 decimal fractions is generally fast. Decoding bigints can be slow for
1027 very big numbers (tens of thousands of digits, something that could
1028 potentially be caught by limiting the size of CBOR texts), and decoding
1029 bigfloats or arbitrary-exponent bigfloats can be *extremely* slow
1030 (minutes, decades) for large exponents (roughly 40 bit and longer).
1031
1032 Additionally, Math::BigInt can take advantage of other bignum libraries,
1033 such as Math::GMP, which cannot handle big floats with large exponents,
1034 and might simply abort or crash your program, due to their code quality.
1035
1036 This can be a concern if you want to parse untrusted CBOR. If it is, you
1037 might want to disable decoding of tag 2 (bigint) and 3 (negative bigint)
1038 types. You should also disable types 5 and 265, as these can be slow
1039 even without bigints.
1040
1041 Disabling bigints will also partially or fully disable types that rely
1042 on them, e.g. rational numbers that use bignums.
690 1043
691CBOR IMPLEMENTATION NOTES 1044CBOR IMPLEMENTATION NOTES
692 This section contains some random implementation notes. They do not 1045 This section contains some random implementation notes. They do not
693 describe guaranteed behaviour, but merely behaviour as-is implemented 1046 describe guaranteed behaviour, but merely behaviour as-is implemented
694 right now. 1047 right now.
702 Only the double data type is supported for NV data types - when Perl 1055 Only the double data type is supported for NV data types - when Perl
703 uses long double to represent floating point values, they might not be 1056 uses long double to represent floating point values, they might not be
704 encoded properly. Half precision types are accepted, but not encoded. 1057 encoded properly. Half precision types are accepted, but not encoded.
705 1058
706 Strict mode and canonical mode are not implemented. 1059 Strict mode and canonical mode are not implemented.
1060
1061LIMITATIONS ON PERLS WITHOUT 64-BIT INTEGER SUPPORT
1062 On perls that were built without 64 bit integer support (these are rare
1063 nowadays, even on 32 bit architectures, as all major Perl distributions
1064 are built with 64 bit integer support), support for any kind of 64 bit
1065 integer in CBOR is very limited - most likely, these 64 bit values will
1066 be truncated, corrupted, or otherwise not decoded correctly. This also
1067 includes string, array and map sizes that are stored as 64 bit integers.
707 1068
708THREADS 1069THREADS
709 This module is *not* guaranteed to be thread safe and there are no plans 1070 This module is *not* guaranteed to be thread safe and there are no plans
710 to change this until Perl gets thread support (as opposed to the 1071 to change this until Perl gets thread support (as opposed to the
711 horribly slow so-called "threads" which are simply slow and bloated 1072 horribly slow so-called "threads" which are simply slow and bloated

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