Linux PAM
| Stable release | 1.7.0[1] 
/ 24 October 2024 |
|---|---|
| Repository | github |
| Written in | C |
| Operating system | Linux |
| Type | authentication |
| License | GNU General Public License or Modified BSD License |
| Website | linux-pam |
Linux Pluggable Authentication Modules (PAM) is a suite of libraries that allow a Linux system administrator to configure methods to authenticate users. It provides a flexible and centralized way to switch authentication methods for secured applications by using configuration files instead of changing application code.[2] There are Linux PAM libraries allowing authentication using methods such as local passwords, LDAP, or fingerprint readers.[3] Linux PAM is evolved from the Unix Pluggable Authentication Modules architecture.[4]
Linux-PAM separates the tasks of authentication into four independent management groups:[5]
- account modules check that the specified account is a valid authentication target under current conditions. This may include conditions like account expiration, time of day, and that the user has access to the requested service.
- authentication modules verify the user's identity, for example by requesting and checking a password or other secret. They may also pass authentication information on to other systems like a keyring.
- password modules are responsible for updating passwords, and are generally coupled to modules employed in the authentication step. They may also be used to enforce strong passwords.
- session modules define actions that are performed at the beginning and end of sessions. A session starts after the user has successfully authenticated.
See also
References
- ^ "Release 1.7.0". 24 October 2024. Retrieved 25 November 2024.
- ^ "Chapter 1. Introduction". An Internet Archive page of Linux PAM site. Archived from the original on 2021-05-06. Retrieved 2023-11-11.
- ^ Lauber, Susan (2020-07-22). "An introduction to Pluggable Authentication Modules (PAM) in Linux". Red Hat. Retrieved 2021-02-28.
- ^ Fernandes, Savio; Reddy, KLM. "Securing Applications on Linux with PAM | Linux Journal". Linux Journal. Retrieved 2018-09-30.
- ^ "pam.d(8): Pluggable Authentication Modules for - Linux man page". linux.die.net. Retrieved 2021-02-28.
External links
- Primary distribution site for the Linux-PAM project
- Development site for the Linux-PAM project
- Understanding PAM, by A.P. Lawrence
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