John R. Bayley - Authentication System

Authentication System 1.4

The previous version of the Authentication system. This system authenticates users using cookies to secure cgi scripts to authorised users only. Version 1.4 has had a great deal of work done to improve security and operation.

Features include

Utilises cookies to authenticate.

Transparent in normal operation.

User Details can be edited easily.

Unlimited security levels.

Lost details can be recovered by users automatically.

Automatic script installation.

Written in perl this script allows for authentication using netscape cookies. Registered users are sent a cookie containing their username, password and a security key. These details are checked by cgi scripts requiring security. Upon running the username is checked. If the username is found on the system the cookie password and database password are compared. If the two match the database access level is used.

Registration is done using a standard browser via the auth_register.pl script. Registered uses are given a default security level according to the value you specify. User details are stored in a cookie on the users system and a database on the host system.

Lost details are retrieved in the fly using the new login feature that allows users to retrieve their details on the fly. Users need to simply enter either their usename or their e-mail address along with their password and the cookie is resent automatically.

Editing of the user database is done by the auth_edit.pl script. This script allows the changing of all user details from a browser window.

Instructions for the installation of the script are here.

What do I need
The script requires a perl 5 interpreter and CGI.pm to run. Perl is common on most unix systems simply upload the files edit the authconfig.pl file to suit your setup and away you go.

The collection of scripts forms the basis of a user registration and authentication system. On it's own it does not do a great deal however it will protect any Perl scripts that are written or modified to utilise it. Some knowledge of perl programming will be required to modify existing programs. Other John Bayley scripts on this site will make use of this authentication system so you may need to download this archive to make use of some of the secure scripts. There are sample scripts and programs to show you how to use this system should you wish to protect your own scripts with it.

What does it cost.
Nothing, have my script for free. Please note that this software is released under the GNU public license.

I like / dislike this script.

If you like the authentication system then please rate it on the link below.
If you don't like it then please tell me why. I appreciate feedback and will endevor to improve the next version with your comments.