Re: [dev] dwm floating rule does not sanitize window geometry from previous WM

From: NRK <nrk_AT_disroot.org>
Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2026 16:37:28 +0000

Hi Ricardson,

> This suggests dwm floating mode accepts incoming window geometry
> without validation, while tiling mode is more resilient because it
> ignores client-requested geometry entirely. It may be worth dwm
> clamping floating window geometry against monitor bounds on map, at
> least to prevent windows from covering the bar.

If I run:

        nsxiv -g 1920x1080 ~/pictures

On a standard 1080p resolution monitor with nsxiv set to floating in
config.h, then I expect the nsxiv window will take up the whole screen.
Why should the WM prevent me from doing that?

Also, terms like "sanitize/validate" are used when input is coming from
a potentially malicious source. dwm doesn't deal with malicious sources
because if a malicious source can create windows in your xorg session
then you're compromised already.

- NRK
Received on Sun Feb 22 2026 - 17:37:28 CET