VisualSVN Server 5.3 Release Notes

VisualSVN Server is upgraded to use the latest OpenSSL 3.0 LTS release.

Summary of this release

VisualSVN Server 5.3 gets an upgrade to the latest OpenSSL 3.0 LTS (Long-Term Support) release. OpenSSL is a component used by VisualSVN Server to secure network communications and implement the SSL/TLS protocols.

The upgrade to OpenSSL 3.0 is the only change introduced in VisualSVN Server 5.3, as reflected in the version 5.3.0 changelog. In all other respects, VisualSVN Server 5.3.0 is identical to VisualSVN Server 5.2.0.

Upgrading to VisualSVN Server 5.3 is recommended for all users. The upgrade is easy and straightforward, especially when upgrading from VisualSVN Server 5.2, but we strongly advise reading the article KB222: Upgrading to VisualSVN Server 5.3 before beginning the upgrade.

Transition to OpenSSL 3.0

OpenSSL 3.0 is the latest Long-Term Support release of the OpenSSL library. The transition to OpenSSL 3.0 is transparent to end users as it does not alter the core functionality of VisualSVN Server.

Prior to version 5.3, VisualSVN Server has been using OpenSSL 1.1.1. With OpenSSL 1.1.1 reaching its End of Life on September 11th, 2023, the upgrade to OpenSSL 3.0 ensures that VisualSVN Server ships with an up-to-date and actively maintained OpenSSL version. Because OpenSSL 3.0 has major changes in its code, we are releasing this upgrade in the form of the new 5.3.x version family.

Upgrade and compatibility concerns

The upgrade to VisualSVN Server 5.3 is recommended for all users. Please read the article KB222: Upgrading to VisualSVN Server 5.3 before beginning the upgrade.

The upgrade is free for all customers who have an active maintenance subscription for Enterprise or Essential licenses. The upgrade is also free for all customers who use VisualSVN Server under the Community license.

Importantly, VisualSVN Server 5.3 remains fully compatible with Subversion clients based on OpenSSL 1.1.1.