The xz/liblzma vulnerability analysis often overlooks the original maintainer burnout and attacker offering help, gaining trust. A discovered email thread captures this crucial step 0. The maintainer admits falling behind due to mental health issues but emphasizes unpaid hobby project. A consumer demands change in maintainer, while another suggests passing on projects without offering help. Maintainer explains the complexity of finding a suitable replacement. The thread ends with complainers offering no help, only the attacker remains as a potential co-maintainer. The interaction highlights the demands on maintainers in Open Source projects, stressing the need for change.
https://robmensching.com/blog/posts/2024/03/30/a-microcosm-of-the-interactions-in-open-source-projects/