6

Bugs

  • create_context and create_context2 functions are redundant; however, only create_context2 performs error checking, which is crucial.
  • Use of gethostbyname is deprecated; it should be replaced with more modern alternatives like getaddrinfo.
  • api_key is used within http_post and http_get functions without being defined in the code.
  • Risk of memory leak when reallocating the buffer if realloc fails, the original buffer is not freed, and the system would have reduced memory.
  • close(sock) does not check for errors.

Optimizations

  • Consolidate create_context and create_context2 into a single function to avoid redundancy and potential maintenance issues.
  • Use getaddrinfo instead of gethostbyname for better compatibility and thread safety.
  • Include proper error handling if realloc fails to make efficient memory management.
  • Specify size when using malloc or realloc for buffer to enhance readability and maintenance.
  • Use snprintf instead of sprintf to avoid buffer overflow vulnerabilities.

Good points

  • Proper initialization and cleanup of OpenSSL.
  • Effective use of OpenSSL APIs to set up TLS/SSL connections.
  • Clear function separation for handling different tasks like initializing SSL, creating sockets, and managing HTTP requests.
  • Usage of dynamic memory management for buffer handling shows good understanding.

Summary

The code demonstrates an understanding of OpenSSL API for creating secure HTTP connections over SSL/TLS, and effectively segregates the key functionalities. However, there are a few significant issues that need addressing, including handling deprecated functions, managing possible memory leaks, and ensuring error checking across all parts of the code. The use of global api_key is problematic since its source isn't evident within the code snippet. Memory handling and duplication of functions are areas where optimizations could significantly enhance the robustness and efficiency of the code.

Open source alternatives

  • Libcurl: A widely used library that offers a simple and consistent API for making HTTP requests, supporting a variety of protocols and features including SSL/TLS.
  • Boost.Beast: This C++ library is part of the Boost collection, providing an HTTP and WebSocket client and server built on top of Boost.Asio. It offers SSL/TLS support via OpenSSL.
  • HttpClient in Poco: The POCO C++ Libraries offer components that simplify HTTP/S communications, including robust support for SSL/TLS.