[Mailman-Users] probe message

enyc at sheer.us enyc at sheer.us
Thu Feb 24 04:12:19 CET 2005


> I'm running Mailman 2.1.5 and postfix 2.0.15.  I noticed some strange
> bounce addresses in the mail logs:
> list_name_bounces+435fdd33f52d0f2ebeaafbb611ce73add36eaa3d at tld
> Is this how probe messages sent the reply-to/from header to?

kind of,
listname-bounces+[code]@[domain]
is the VERP return-path used...
I.e. the Variable Envelope Return Path.

This is the ''return path'' used on the ENVELOPE, i.e. the
  address used in "MAIL FROM:" SMTP command.
This is the address to which bounces are delivered...

Hence, probes use such 'silly' Envelope FROM: addresses with
  a ''random'' hex. code whatnot in the address to have a reliable
  way of checking that address really does bounce.

The snag is, your MTA/alias-files/etc MAY not be delivering mail
  with the listname-bounces+45894735478574893 code piped to mailman
  like it's supposed to unless configured correctly.
Unless this is working, this will break 'automatic disabling and 
  unsubscribing' of users with broken/bouncing email addresses.

I don't know postfix....

> Sean
--"enyc" <enyc at sheer.us>




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