[Info-vax] Why is the kernel mode stack apparently readable in supervisor mode ?

[Simon Clubley]

I came across something while reading the Alpha I&DS which surprised
me and which I appear to have confirmed using SDA on VAX/VMS 7.3 and
on Alpha VMS 8.4.

It appears the kernel mode stack is actually readable from supervisor mode. 

That surprised me and my question is why is that allowed ?

What is it in the VMS design which requires the kernel mode stack
to be readable from supervisor mode ?

Thanks,

Simon.

-- 
Simon Clubley, clubley at remove_me.eisner.decus.org-Earth.UFP
Microsoft: Bringing you 1980s technology to a 21st century world