python / python/cpython

"fe80:6666:6666:6666:6666:6666:6666:6666" is not a valid IPv6 link-local address

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#155,140 2 comments 0 reactions 0 assignees View on GitHub

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stdlib type-bug
Dominant language
Python
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Description

Bug description:
>>> import ipaddress
>>> ipaddress.IPv6Address("fe80:6666:6666:6666:6666:6666:6666:6666").is_link_local
True

The spec says there must be 54 bits of zero.
the address must be within fe80::/64, not merely within fe80::/10.
2.5.6. Link-Local IPv6 Unicast Addresses

   Link-Local addresses are for use on a single link.  Link-Local
   addresses have the following format:

   |   10     |
   |  bits    |         54 bits         |          64 bits           |
   +----------+-------------------------+----------------------------+
   |1111111010|           0             |       interface ID         |
   +----------+-------------------------+----------------------------+
CPython versions tested on:

3.13

Operating systems tested on:

No response

Linked PRs
  • gh-155384

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First steps

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  3. Fork the repository and make your change on a branch.
  4. Open a pull request that references the issue number.

Research direction

Start by reproducing the IPv6Address example and inspecting the is_link_local behavior in the ipaddress implementation. Compare the result with RFC 4291 section 2.5.6 and add or update tests for the fe80::/64 requirement. Done means the supplied address is no longer reported as link-local while valid addresses remain so; linked PR gh-155384 indicates work is already underway.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
python
Domain
networking
Issue type
Bug
Difficulty
2/5
Estimated time
1-3 hours
Activity status
Stale
Clarity
Clearly specified
Newbie friendliness
25/100

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