HTTP 1.1 issue 15: 14.23 Host
Ross Patterson (ROSSP@SS1.Reston.VMD.Sterling.COM)
Mon, 09 Nov 98 10:46:11 EST
In section 14.23 "Host", the statements
"A client MUST include a Host header field in all HTTP/1.1 request
messages on the Internet (i.e., on any message corresponding to a
request for a URL which includes an Internet host address for the
service being requested). If the Host field is not already
present, an HTTP/1.1 proxy MUST add a Host field to the request
message prior to forwarding it on the Internet. All Internet-based
HTTP/1.1 servers MUST respond with a 400 (Bad Request) status code
to any HTTP/1.1 request message which lacks a Host header field."
can be interpreted to relax the requirement when requests are not
transiting the public Internet (e.g., between a client and server on a
departmental LAN). I believe the intent is to make HOST a required
request header whenever TCP/IP is the vehicle for the HTTP conversation.
If so, these statements should be clarified.
Ross Patterson
VM Software Division
Sterling Software, Inc.