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Revision 1.11 by root, Sat Nov 30 18:42:27 2013 UTC vs.
Revision 1.18 by root, Wed Dec 7 14:14:30 2016 UTC

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 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).
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
88 Perl data structure, then the encoder and decoder will stop and 102 Perl data structure, then the encoder and decoder will stop and
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 (which need "allow_cycles" to ne 160 to encode cyclic data structures (which need "allow_cycles" to be
147 enabled to be decoded by this module). 161 enabled to be decoded by this module).
148 162
149 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
150 partner supports the value sharing extensions to CBOR 164 partner supports the value sharing extensions to CBOR
151 (<http://cbor.schmorp.de/value-sharing>), as without decoder 165 (<http://cbor.schmorp.de/value-sharing>), as without decoder
178 code that isn't prepared for this will not leak memory. 192 code that isn't prepared for this will not leak memory.
179 193
180 If $enable is false (the default), then "decode" will throw an error 194 If $enable is false (the default), then "decode" will throw an error
181 when it encounters a self-referential/cyclic data structure. 195 when it encounters a self-referential/cyclic data structure.
182 196
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
183 This option does not affect "encode" in any way - shared values and 202 This option does not affect "encode" in any way - shared values and
184 references will always be decoded properly if present. 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.
185 223
186 $cbor = $cbor->pack_strings ([$enable]) 224 $cbor = $cbor->pack_strings ([$enable])
187 $enabled = $cbor->get_pack_strings 225 $enabled = $cbor->get_pack_strings
188 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
189 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
200 the standard CBOR way. 238 the standard CBOR way.
201 239
202 This option does not affect "decode" in any way - string references 240 This option does not affect "decode" in any way - string references
203 will always be decoded properly if present. 241 will always be decoded properly if present.
204 242
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
205 $cbor = $cbor->filter ([$cb->($tag, $value)]) 309 $cbor = $cbor->filter ([$cb->($tag, $value)])
206 $cb_or_undef = $cbor->get_filter 310 $cb_or_undef = $cbor->get_filter
207 Sets or replaces the tagged value decoding filter (when $cb is 311 Sets or replaces the tagged value decoding filter (when $cb is
208 specified) or clears the filter (if no argument or "undef" is 312 specified) or clears the filter (if no argument or "undef" is
209 provided). 313 provided).
226 When the filter is cleared (the default state), the default filter 330 When the filter is cleared (the default state), the default filter
227 function, "CBOR::XS::default_filter", is used. This function simply 331 function, "CBOR::XS::default_filter", is used. This function simply
228 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
229 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
230 is responsible for decoding the value. If no entry exists, it 334 is responsible for decoding the value. If no entry exists, it
231 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.
232 349
233 Example: decode all tags not handled internally into 350 Example: decode all tags not handled internally into
234 "CBOR::XS::Tagged" objects, with no other special handling (useful 351 "CBOR::XS::Tagged" objects, with no other special handling (useful
235 when working with potentially "unsafe" CBOR data). 352 when working with potentially "unsafe" CBOR data).
236 353
242 $CBOR::XS::FILTER{1347375694} = sub { 359 $CBOR::XS::FILTER{1347375694} = sub {
243 my ($tag, $value); 360 my ($tag, $value);
244 361
245 "tag 1347375694 value $value" 362 "tag 1347375694 value $value"
246 }; 363 };
364
365 Example: provide your own filter function that looks up tags in your
366 own hash:
367
368 my %my_filter = (
369 998347484 => sub {
370 my ($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);
247 384
248 $cbor_data = $cbor->encode ($perl_scalar) 385 $cbor_data = $cbor->encode ($perl_scalar)
249 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
250 representation. 387 representation.
251 388
263 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
264 the next one starts. 401 the next one starts.
265 402
266 CBOR::XS->new->decode_prefix ("......") 403 CBOR::XS->new->decode_prefix ("......")
267 => ("...", 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.
268 463
269MAPPING 464MAPPING
270 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
271 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
272 circumstances automatically, preserving round-tripping characteristics 467 circumstances automatically, preserving round-tripping characteristics
323 518
324 hash references 519 hash references
325 Perl hash references become CBOR maps. As there is no inherent 520 Perl hash references become CBOR maps. As there is no inherent
326 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
327 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
328 hahs is encoded. 523 hash is encoded.
329 524
330 Currently, tied hashes will use the indefinite-length format, while 525 Currently, tied hashes will use the indefinite-length format, while
331 normal hashes will use the fixed-length format. 526 normal hashes will use the fixed-length format.
332 527
333 array references 528 array references
382 my $x = 3.1; # some variable containing a number 577 my $x = 3.1; # some variable containing a number
383 "$x"; # stringified 578 "$x"; # stringified
384 $x .= ""; # another, more awkward way to stringify 579 $x .= ""; # another, more awkward way to stringify
385 print $x; # perl does it for you, too, quite often 580 print $x; # perl does it for you, too, quite often
386 581
387 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
388 using "utf8::upgrade" and "utf8::downgrade"): 583 using "utf8::upgrade" and "utf8::downgrade" (if "text_strings" is
584 disabled):
389 585
390 utf8::upgrade $x; # encode $x as text string 586 utf8::upgrade $x; # encode $x as text string
391 utf8::downgrade $x; # encode $x as byte string 587 utf8::downgrade $x; # encode $x as byte string
392 588
393 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
394 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
395 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".
396 594
397 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:
398 596
399 my $x = "3"; # some variable containing a string 597 my $x = "3"; # some variable containing a string
400 $x += 0; # numify it, ensuring it will be dumped as a number 598 $x += 0; # numify it, ensuring it will be dumped as a number
495 "$self" # encode url string 693 "$self" # encode url string
496 } 694 }
497 695
498 sub URI::THAW { 696 sub URI::THAW {
499 my ($class, $serialiser, $uri) = @_; 697 my ($class, $serialiser, $uri) = @_;
500
501 $class->new ($uri) 698 $class->new ($uri)
502 } 699 }
503 700
504 Unlike "TO_CBOR", multiple values can be returned by "FREEZE". For 701 Unlike "TO_CBOR", multiple values can be returned by "FREEZE". For
505 example, a "FREEZE" method that returns "type", "id" and "variant" 702 example, a "FREEZE" method that returns "type", "id" and "variant"
601 Future versions of this module reserve the right to special case 798 Future versions of this module reserve the right to special case
602 additional tags (such as base64url). 799 additional tags (such as base64url).
603 800
604 ENFORCED TAGS 801 ENFORCED TAGS
605 These tags are always handled when decoding, and their handling cannot 802 These tags are always handled when decoding, and their handling cannot
606 be overriden by the user. 803 be overridden by the user.
607 804
608 26 (perl-object, <http://cbor.schmorp.de/perl-object>) 805 26 (perl-object, <http://cbor.schmorp.de/perl-object>)
609 These tags are automatically created (and decoded) for serialisable 806 These tags are automatically created (and decoded) for serialisable
610 objects using the "FREEZE/THAW" methods (the Types::Serialier object 807 objects using the "FREEZE/THAW" methods (the Types::Serialier object
611 serialisation protocol). See "OBJECT SERIALISATION" for details. 808 serialisation protocol). See "OBJECT SERIALISATION" for details.
612 809
613 28, 29 (shareable, sharedref, L <http://cbor.schmorp.de/value-sharing>) 810 28, 29 (shareable, sharedref, <http://cbor.schmorp.de/value-sharing>)
614 These tags are automatically decoded when encountered (and they do 811 These tags are automatically decoded when encountered (and they do
615 not result in a cyclic data structure, see "allow_cycles"), 812 not result in a cyclic data structure, see "allow_cycles"),
616 resulting in shared values in the decoded object. They are only 813 resulting in shared values in the decoded object. They are only
617 encoded, however, when "allow_sharing" is enabled. 814 encoded, however, when "allow_sharing" is enabled.
618 815
627 references will be shared, others will not. While non-reference 824 references will be shared, others will not. While non-reference
628 shared values can be generated in Perl with some effort, they were 825 shared values can be generated in Perl with some effort, they were
629 considered too unimportant to be supported in the encoder. The 826 considered too unimportant to be supported in the encoder. The
630 decoder, however, will decode these values as shared values. 827 decoder, however, will decode these values as shared values.
631 828
632 256, 25 (stringref-namespace, stringref, L 829 256, 25 (stringref-namespace, stringref,
633 <http://cbor.schmorp.de/stringref>) 830 <http://cbor.schmorp.de/stringref>)
634 These tags are automatically decoded when encountered. They are only 831 These tags are automatically decoded when encountered. They are only
635 encoded, however, when "pack_strings" is enabled. 832 encoded, however, when "pack_strings" is enabled.
636 833
637 22098 (indirection, <http://cbor.schmorp.de/indirection>) 834 22098 (indirection, <http://cbor.schmorp.de/indirection>)
638 This tag is automatically generated when a reference are encountered 835 This tag is automatically generated when a reference are encountered
639 (with the exception of hash and array refernces). It is converted to 836 (with the exception of hash and array references). It is converted
640 a reference when decoding. 837 to a reference when decoding.
641 838
642 55799 (self-describe CBOR, RFC 7049) 839 55799 (self-describe CBOR, RFC 7049)
643 This value is not generated on encoding (unless explicitly requested 840 This value is not generated on encoding (unless explicitly requested
644 by the user), and is simply ignored when decoding. 841 by the user), and is simply ignored when decoding.
645 842
646 NON-ENFORCED TAGS 843 NON-ENFORCED TAGS
647 These tags have default filters provided when decoding. Their handling 844 These tags have default filters provided when decoding. Their handling
648 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,
649 by providing a custom "filter" callback when decoding. 846 or by providing a custom "filter" callback when decoding.
650 847
651 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
652 usually provides a corresponding "TO_CBOR" method as well. 849 usually provides a corresponding "TO_CBOR" method as well.
653 850
654 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
655 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
656 to provide these modules. The decoding usually fails with an exception 853 to provide these modules. The decoding usually fails with an exception
657 if the required module cannot be loaded. 854 if the required module cannot be loaded.
658 855
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
659 2, 3 (positive/negative bignum) 866 2, 3 (positive/negative bignum)
660 These tags are decoded into Math::BigInt objects. The corresponding 867 These tags are decoded into Math::BigInt objects. The corresponding
661 "Math::BigInt::TO_CBOR" method encodes "small" bigints into normal 868 "Math::BigInt::TO_CBOR" method encodes "small" bigints into normal
662 CBOR integers, and others into positive/negative CBOR bignums. 869 CBOR integers, and others into positive/negative CBOR bignums.
663 870
664 4, 5 (decimal fraction/bigfloat) 871 4, 5, 264, 265 (decimal fraction/bigfloat)
665 Both decimal fractions and bigfloats are decoded into Math::BigFloat 872 Both decimal fractions and bigfloats are decoded into Math::BigFloat
666 objects. The corresponding "Math::BigFloat::TO_CBOR" method *always* 873 objects. The corresponding "Math::BigFloat::TO_CBOR" method *always*
667 encodes into a decimal fraction. 874 encodes into a decimal fraction (either tag 4 or 264).
668 875
669 CBOR cannot represent bigfloats with *very* large exponents -
670 conversion of such big float objects is undefined.
671
672 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.
673 888
674 21, 22, 23 (expected later JSON conversion) 889 21, 22, 23 (expected later JSON conversion)
675 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
676 these tags. 891 these tags.
677 892
691 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
692 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
693 CBOR intact. 908 CBOR intact.
694 909
695SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS 910SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS
696 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,
697 hostile creatures requires relatively few measures. 912 you should start with a coder object created via "new_safe":
698 913
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
699 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,
700 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
701 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.
702 927
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
703 Second, you need to avoid resource-starving attacks. That means you 969 You need to avoid resource-starving attacks. That means you should
704 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
705 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
706 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
707 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
708 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
709 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
710 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.
711 978
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
712 Third, CBOR::XS recurses using the C stack when decoding objects and 987 CBOR::XS recurses using the C stack when decoding objects and
713 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
714 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
715 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
716 croak to free the temporary). If that is exceeded, the program crashes. 991 recursing deeply on croak to free the temporary). If that is
717 To be conservative, the default nesting limit is set to 512. If your 992 exceeded, the program crashes. To be conservative, the default
718 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,
719 with the "max_depth" method. 994 you should adjust this setting accordingly with the "max_depth"
995 method.
720 996
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...
721 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
722 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...
723 1014
724 Also keep in mind that CBOR::XS might leak contents of your Perl data 1015BIGNUM SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS
725 structures in its error messages, so when you serialise sensitive 1016 CBOR::XS provides a "TO_CBOR" method for both Math::BigInt and
726 information you might want to make sure that exceptions thrown by 1017 Math::BigFloat that tries to encode the number in the simplest possible
727 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.
728 1043
729CBOR IMPLEMENTATION NOTES 1044CBOR IMPLEMENTATION NOTES
730 This section contains some random implementation notes. They do not 1045 This section contains some random implementation notes. They do not
731 describe guaranteed behaviour, but merely behaviour as-is implemented 1046 describe guaranteed behaviour, but merely behaviour as-is implemented
732 right now. 1047 right now.
743 1058
744 Strict mode and canonical mode are not implemented. 1059 Strict mode and canonical mode are not implemented.
745 1060
746LIMITATIONS ON PERLS WITHOUT 64-BIT INTEGER SUPPORT 1061LIMITATIONS ON PERLS WITHOUT 64-BIT INTEGER SUPPORT
747 On perls that were built without 64 bit integer support (these are rare 1062 On perls that were built without 64 bit integer support (these are rare
748 nowadays, even on 32 bit architectures), support for any kind of 64 bit 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
749 integer in CBOR is very limited - most likely, these 64 bit values will 1065 integer in CBOR is very limited - most likely, these 64 bit values will
750 be truncated, corrupted, or otherwise not decoded correctly. This also 1066 be truncated, corrupted, or otherwise not decoded correctly. This also
751 includes string, array and map sizes that are stored as 64 bit integers. 1067 includes string, array and map sizes that are stored as 64 bit integers.
752 1068
753THREADS 1069THREADS

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