A commonly stated argument in favour of Open Source software is that “many eyes make bugs shallow” i.e. with a large number of developers reviewing the code bugs should be discovered and fixed with relative ease. Recent examples suggest that this might not be quite true.

Research one of the recent high profile vulnerabilities discovered in Open Source software (Heartbleed, Shellshock, Drupageddon, Dirty Cow, etc.). Provide a report (see Assessment brief for required layout, structure and marking rubric), illustrating the programming flaw involved, the changes required to make the code safe and examining the reasons that the bugs may have existed for so long and methods to prevent future instances of similar bugs.

Please note: do your own research on an Open Source software other than the ones that have been mentioned in the above (i.e., other than Heartbleed, Shellshock, Drupageddon, Dirty Cow) or you have already studied in other subject(s).