[Resolved] Setting up users via PHP

[azabia]

Sorry if this subject has been brought up before, I did several different searches but still couldn't find the answer I was looking for. But if it has been answered somewhere, then please point me in the right direction!

My question is, how do I setup Unix Users via PHP? I am currently working on a web hosting script but want to be able to setup Unix User accounts automatically.

Thanks in advance.

[hessian]

You need root to add users, there are ways to do this, but I just wouldn't.

You could make apache run as root and then just call system("adduser...");, but that is just a stupid thing to do.

Or you could look into sudo.

Or just put it into a batch job, and have a cron job pick it up and do it later.

If you are doing this for mail users, perhaps look into qmail + Vpopmail. With Qmail, you can have your user database stored in mysql and do not require a valid system user.

Why do you need to create a system user, perhaps there is a better work around.

[azabia]

I'll look into qmail, since reading from a MySQL DB would be the most handy. The reason I want to add unix users is so that FTP accounts would also be setup as a result, as I'm not sure how to do this, but as it can be done with qmail, is there an ftp server that also does it?

I guess now I'm changing how everything is done, but if it would improve security then I guess I'd do anything. Plus as you said, there is no way I'm running Apache as root.

[hessian]

There are some vpopmail function that exist for qmail + vpopmail.
http://us2.php.net/manual/en/ref.vpopmail.php

I am not sure if they work right, but may simplify your process. I am guessing you v-hosting. If you are using sendmail for multiple domains, you will really love how much better qmail handles multiple domains. Especially the same usernames at different domains. (Can be done is sendmail just a pain in the ass).

As for ftp, yes, I do know that there is a version of ftp out there that can authenticate from mysql. I dont know the name, but I am sure a few minutes on google will help you find one.

It will probably be alot of work to put all these together to work right for the user, but in the end you are going to be alot more secure, and probably end up with a far better solution from an administration point of view.

Hessian

[azabia]

Thank you very much for your help, it's just what i'm looking for. After some hard work setting everything up and implementing it in my web hosting script it should be perfect for what I want, and for improved security too.

Thanks!