RE: fix.your.open.relay.or.die.net

On Wed, 21 Nov 2001, Walden H. Leverich wrote:

> James, you're referring (I believe) to a client "getting" mail. Brad is
> correct when referring to a SERVER "getting" mail. SMTP servers listen on
> port 25, that's how they "get" mail. BTW, you do have (should have!)
> firewall rules that ALLOW you to get your mail, they're just looking for the
> IMAP or POP3 ports.

Yes, I know that.  I thought Brad was referring to getting mail with a
client (i.e. reading his mail).  Usually "get" is not used when referring
to SMTP since SMTP server do not initiate anything to get mail, they only
get mail when someone sends it to them.  SMTP servers really only send,
never get.

By special firewall rules I meant things like port forwarding, timed
waits, etc.  The firewall is just a stateful firewall with pretty standard
rules in it.  Don't want to say too much more about it, though...

Fixing SMTP servers to not be open relays *and* allow clients to send
email from anywhere on the net is easy.  I believe most aren't sure of how
their SMTP services should be done, and enabling open relaying is easy and
fixes the problem.  Of course I may be somewhat naive about what some
people's SMTP needs are.  But for most this should work:

1. Close your open relay (see sendmail.org or read the bat book for info
on what an open relay is, how to close it, and to correctly route email).

2. Stick your email address into netscape

3. Stick your SMTP server into netscape

4. Send email

Works every time.

James Rich
james@eaerich.com