MSC2540: Stricter event validation: JSON compliance

proposals/2540-stricter-event-validation.md

@@ -0,0 +1,63 @@
+# MSC2540: Stricter event validation: JSON compliance
+
+## Background
+
+There has been [prior discussions](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-doc/issues/1646)
+about validating events more strictly. This MSC proposes fixing a small piece of
+this: JSON compliance.
+
+The [Canonical JSON](https://matrix.org/docs/spec/appendices#canonical-json)
+specification requires that numbers that are serialized in JSON are integers in
+the inclusive range of `[-(2^53) + 1, (2^53) - 1]`, which matches the requirements of
+[section 6 of RFC 7159](https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc7159). Note that it is
+not explicit, but all floats are invalid.
+
+It is worth mentioning that there are common extensions to JSON which produce 
+invalid JSON according to the Matrix specification; some programming langauges
+even support these by default. One common additional feature is handling
+"special" float values: `Infinity`, `-Infinity`, and `NaN`.
+
+
+## Proposal
+
+In a future room version, homeserver implementations are to strictly enforce
+the JSON compliance of the Canonical JSON specification for events. Events that
+do not abide by these rules should be treated like any other bad JSON value.
+
+The rationale for doing this in a future room version is to avoid a split brain
+room -- where some federated servers believe an event is valid and others reject
+it as invalid. Rooms will be able to opt into this behavior as part of a room
+version upgrade.
+
+Homeserver implementations are not to strictly enforce this JSON compliance in
+[room versions 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5](https://matrix.org/docs/spec/#complete-list-of-room-versions).
+The rationale is essentially the same as why a future room version is necessary:
+this ensures that all federated servers treat the same events as valid.
+
+
+## Potential issues
+
+Homeserver implementations might include JSON parsers which are stricter than
+others. It may not be worthwhile or reasonable to loosen those restrictions for
+stable room versions. 
+
+
+## Alternatives
+
+It could be argued that this MSC is unnecessary since it does not add any new
+requirements for handling of JSON data. Unfortunately starting to enforce these 
+requirements in current rooms could cause federation to break as homeservers
+will disagree on whether events are valid.
+
+
+## Security considerations
+
+N/A
+
+
+## Unstable prefix
+
+A room version of `org.matrix.strict_canonicaljson` until a future room version
+is available. This room version will use
+[room version 5](https://matrix.org/docs/spec/rooms/v5) as base and include the
+above modifications.