[PATCH] passwd scripting

[Tito]

On Wednesday 18 January 2006 08:21, you wrote:
> On Monday 16 January 2006 19:03, Tito wrote:
> > On Tuesday 17 January 2006 00:56, you wrote:
> > > Tito wrote:
> > > > Hi,
> > > > This is take 4 of passwd size reduction (take somehow didn't make it to
> > > > the list, maybe the size was too big ?).
> > >
> > > Hi.  I'm currently using busybox for an embedded platform and I need the
> > > following two features for passwd.  I have attached a patch for them to
> > > standard busybox.  But that probably will become invalid if your patch
> > > is accepted, so please add them to your modifications (I haven't looked
> > > at your patch).
> >
> > Hi,
> >
> > > 1.) support /etc/ being a read-only filesystem and /etc/shadow being a
> > > symlink into a writable directory.
> >
> > I have to test this one, but probably should work (using stat on a link
> > should be ok). 
> >
> > > 2.) support scripting password changes (check for a tty on input)
> >
> > This I really don't understand: can you make an example?
> 
> http://www.busybox.net/lists/busybox/2004-June/011816.html
> 
> Follow the thread.  It's on my todo list, but if this does it instead.  Just 
> be careful of the security implications.  The tty check is there for a 
> reason.
Hi, 
just one thought:
as for changing passwords for other users you need to be root:
a) you don't need to provide old password
b) rather than do all this bb_askpass magic would it not be simpler
    to add a non standard switch (e.g. -p) and do something like:

passwd user -p new_pass

The only problem would be that maybe it skips the obscure test.

Ciao,
Tito

> Rob
> (Who should have been in bed two hours ago...)