Linux PAM

In today's world, Linux PAM is a topic that has gained great relevance in all areas of society. From its impact on the economy to its influence on people's daily lives, Linux PAM has been the subject of continuous debate and analysis. In this article, we will thoroughly explore the different facets of Linux PAM, examining its origins, its evolution over time, and its impact today. Through interviews with experts in the field and relevant statistical data, we seek to build a clear and complete picture of Linux PAM, delving into its implications and challenges.

Linux PAM
Stable release
1.7.0[1] Edit this on Wikidata / 24 October 2024
Repositoryhttps://github.com/linux-pam/linux-pam
Written inC
Operating systemLinux
Typeauthentication
LicenseGNU General Public License or Modified BSD License
Websitewww.linux-pam.org

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

  1. ^ "Release 1.7.0". 24 October 2024. Retrieved 25 November 2024.
  2. ^ "Chapter 1. Introduction". An Internet Archive page of Linux PAM site. Archived from the original on 2021-05-06. Retrieved 2023-11-11.
  3. ^ Lauber, Susan (2020-07-22). "An introduction to Pluggable Authentication Modules (PAM) in Linux". Red Hat. Retrieved 2021-02-28.
  4. ^ Fernandes, Savio; Reddy, KLM. "Securing Applications on Linux with PAM | Linux Journal". Linux Journal. Retrieved 2018-09-30.
  5. ^ "pam.d(8): Pluggable Authentication Modules for - Linux man page". linux.die.net. Retrieved 2021-02-28.


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