Binary blob

In computer science, a binary blob is an opaque binary object for which no source code is available. In some operating system communities, such as those of Ubuntu and OpenBSD, the term refers to partial or complete drivers provided by companies such as ATI and NVIDIA to provide support for their hardware. Such blobs can be a point of conflict between open source and free software advocates and developers and regular users of the operating system, as binary blobs can provide convenient support for popular hardware at the cost of the ability to read and modify every part of the operating system.

OpenBSD has long had an anti-blob policy in it's source tree, citing not only the potential of irreparable and nigh undetectable security flaws but also it's encroachment into the openness and freedom of their software^[1]. This stance is expected to be validated by an impending information release regarding an exploit within a binary wireless network card's driver^[2], which further details will be released at the August 2nd Black Hat USA 2006.

While some projects hold a strongly open-source stance, other projects are more pragmatic and willing to accept binary blobs in order to obtain enhanced functionality, such projects include NetBSD, FreeBSD, DragonFly BSD, Ubuntu, and Fedora, who ship with a varied number of binaries for purposes ranging from RAID functionality to networking to 3d accelerated graphics.

Notes and references

1. Music composed by Ty Semaka and Jonathan Lewis. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Jonathan Lewis of Moxam Studios (1-403-233-0350). Vocals and Lyrics by Ty Semaka & Theo de Raadt. Bass guitar, organ and bubbles by Jonathan Lewis. Guitar by Tom Bagley. Drums by Jim Buick. "3.9: "Blob!"". OpenBSD. Retrieved 2006-06-22.
2. An article by Robert McMillan of IDG News Service regarding the hacking of a Wi-Fi binary blob driver - June 21, 2006. "Researchers hack Wi-Fi driver to breach laptop". InfoWorld. Retrieved 2006-06-23.