LinuxCommandLibrary

shellinaboxd

Serve a web-based terminal emulator

SYNOPSIS

shellinaboxd [options]

PARAMETERS

-t, --title=TITLE
    Set the window title.

-s, --service=SERVICE
    Specify a service name.

-p, --port=PORT
    Specify the port to listen on (default: 4200).

-q, --quiet
    Suppress informational messages.

-d, --daemon
    Run as a daemon in the background.

-u, --user=USER
    Switch to the specified user after binding the port.

-g, --group=GROUP
    Switch to the specified group after binding the port.

-c, --cert=FILE
    Specify the SSL certificate file.

-b, --background=COLOR
    Set the background color.

-f, --foreground=COLOR
    Set the foreground color.

-i, --index=FILE
    Specify a custom index file.

-r, --disable-copy-paste
    Disable copy and paste functionality.

-v, --verbose
    Enable verbose output.

-h, --help
    Display this help message and exit.

-w, --writable
    Make the terminal writable (default: read-only).

-k, --kill-on-disconnect
    Kill the process on disconnect.

-o, --disable-ssl
    Disable SSL encryption.

-n, --no-close
    Do not allow the terminal window to be closed.

-s, --shell=COMMAND
    Specify the command to run as the shell (default: /bin/login).

--debug
    Enable debug mode.

DESCRIPTION

shellinaboxd is a web-based terminal emulator that allows you to access Linux servers via a web browser. It essentially wraps a command-line interface (typically a shell like bash) and presents it within a web page. This allows for remote access to the server's terminal without requiring dedicated SSH clients.

It's particularly useful when SSH access is restricted, or when accessing servers from devices without SSH capabilities. It creates a simple HTTP server that serves an AJAX-based terminal emulator. The user can then interact with the shell through their browser, sending commands and receiving output just as if they were using a traditional terminal. Shellinaboxd supports various authentication methods and customization options to tailor the user experience.

Note: shellinabox is deprecated and is not actively maintained. Security concerns have also been raised, so evaluate thoroughly before deployment in production environments.

CAVEATS

Shellinabox is considered deprecated and may contain security vulnerabilities. It is recommended to explore alternative solutions such as Guacamole or other actively maintained web-based SSH clients.

SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS

Always ensure proper SSL encryption is enabled when using shellinaboxd in production environments. Avoid using default configurations, particularly for authentication. Be aware of potential vulnerabilities associated with deprecated software. Carefully evaluate the security implications before deploying shellinaboxd, especially if dealing with sensitive data.

ALTERNATIVES

Consider using alternatives such as Apache Guacamole which is actively maintained and offers greater security and feature sets. Other options include Gateone and WebSSH2.

HISTORY

Shellinabox was developed to provide a web-based SSH terminal access method. While it gained popularity for its simplicity, its development has slowed significantly. Other projects which provide a more secure and maintained environment are preferred now.

SEE ALSO

ssh(1), tmux(1), screen(1)

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