Hosts: Import error at entry "pgl.example0101" from pgl.yoyo.org

[spodermenpls]

I am using your Hosts 'conglomerate' in conjunction with uMatrix for a while now, since Malwarebytes decided to close-source its "HpHosts" file and forcing me (and others) to look for an alternative. With exception of "Malware Domains", I was also able to deactivate all of uMatrix's preloaded stock filters (whose servers are unreliable at times) thanks to your unified file, so thanks for your work!

I was wondering for a longer time now why uMatrix is still using one single entry out of Peter Lowe's server list, when your hosts file is simultaneously active. After a while of comparison work today, I've figured out what causes it. In Peter Lowe's original "upstream" file (https://pgl.yoyo.org/adservers/serverlist.php?hostformat=hosts&mimetype=plaintext&useip=0.0.0.0), there is a entry called pgl.example0101, in your hosts file (https://raw.githubusercontent.com/StevenBlack/hosts/master/hosts), it gets displayed as pgl.example #0101 though, therefore rendering it a separate entry, when uMatrix compares it against the original while looking for duplicates. Did this change happen on purpose, or is it indeed an import error that could need a fix? I am not familiar with this (comparably weird) entry's history at Peter Lowe's list, its database entry on yoyo.org (https://pgl.yoyo.org/adservers/details.php?hostname=pgl.example0101) indicates no "legitimacy issues", though.

[welcome[bot]]

Hello! Thank you for opening your first issue in this repo. It’s people like you who make these host files better!

[dnmTX]

In both cases that domain is rendered invalid. The question is who to be reported to for removal.

P.S. Ok,found it. @spodermenpls can you report it to [email protected] please. Thanks 👍

[spodermenpls]

@pgl Would you be so kind and tell us if pgl.example0101 still has a reason to exist in your list, or if it's obsolete?

[pgl]

@spodermenpls It's a canary domain, deliberately invalid, there for quality assurance purposes. In this particular case I'm going to keep it in the list, sorry.

Most entries on my list are validated once a week, and are removed after 6 failed checks.

[spodermenpls]

@pgl OK, thanks for your quick reply - no need to be sorry for not removing it, when it's serving a purpose. I've assumed it was some kind of "test beacon" and not a real host, since the Top Level Domain example0101 is a bit too extravagant, even by today's ICANN standards. 😅

[spodermenpls]

@StevenBlack Since you closed my issue silently, are you going to edit pgl.example #0101 back into the original pgl.example0101? This might save other uMatrix/ PL's list users from running into the same confusion as I had, when I wondered for quite some time which single PL's entry (seemingly) had been left out of your hosts file, and for what reason (e.g. your file is missing an entry?, false positive being left out on purpose, compatibility issue with uMatrix and your file).

[StevenBlack]

Thanks for the question @spodermenpls.

I don't think any of this is a problem. Am I missing something?

[spodermenpls]

@StevenBlack If you don't deem it 'edit-worthy', that's OK too, but maintaining consistency between the two files wouldn't hurt either, I reckon.

[StevenBlack]

@spodermenpls sorry I was unclear. I just don't understand how this is, in any way, a problem. I asked you if I was missing something, and you replied blah blah. Are we done, here?

[llacb47]

@spodermenpls is saying, and I agree, that 0.0.0.0 pgl.example #0101 is not a valid host entry or hostname. so you should remove it or preserve the original format 0.0.0.0 pgl.example0101. example0101 is a valid TLD per https://tools.ietf.org/id/draft-liman-tld-names-00.html, but example #0101 is not.