ssh password from a text file

ikinnu · 01-27-2008, 12:26 AM

Hi,

I am writing a BASH script which should ssh to a server.
Is there any way such that ssh takes password from a text file so that
my script runs without any human interaction.

Thanks a lot in advance.

overpencil · 01-27-2008, 12:45 AM

this would be very bad practice.

If you want this setup, I would suggest instead using an ssh key without a password. This is also the normal ( accepted/more secure ) way of doing it.

jantman · 01-27-2008, 02:08 AM

SSH key is *definitely* the way to go.

This is extremely bad practice, but if you wanted to automate entry of information in an interactive environment, you'd want to use Expect.

unSpawn · 01-27-2008, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by overpencil

this would be very bad practice.

If you want this setup, I would suggest instead using an ssh key without a password. This is also the normal ( accepted/more secure ) way of doing it.

Agreed. If you go that route make sure you up your logging and restrict access to that account and what tasks that account may perform as much as possible.

ikinnu · 01-28-2008, 12:37 AM

I want to do it without using authorized_keys file. I should be able to ssh to any server using this script where my account exists. I am writing this script to run only in my home network where all of our friends work together on linux for expermentation purpose. Just want to save time typing passwords and without using authorized_keys :-)

lujan · 01-30-2008, 06:22 PM

Why don't you want to use authorized_keys? You are just going to be reinventing the wheel otherwise.

ikinnu · 02-13-2008, 11:36 PM

I am not expected to use this file in my office. Is there anyway the BASH can simulate the entering of password when ssh prompts for a password?

I mean to ask, Can i write a script such that I can detect some program waiting (ssh prompting for input in this case) and simulate the key strokes and an 'Enter' at the end :-) Is such a script possible to write?

billymayday · 02-14-2008, 12:36 AM

You could have set up the keys by now

jschiwal · 02-14-2008, 12:44 AM

The general answer to your question is to use "expect". Keys are a better way to go.

Also look at the "ssh-agent" program. Using it you will only have to enter your passphrase once. Using authorized-keys with passphrases and agent is the most secure method according to the ssh manpages.

Micro420 · 02-14-2008, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billymayday

You could have set up the keys by now

LOLLLLLLLLLLLL

ikinnu · 02-21-2008, 03:09 AM

Thanks a lot to all. I joined only recently here. Otherwise i would have put all keys long before

Yes i'll surely try the ssh-agent

jdlacruz · 02-16-2011, 11:49 AM

What about sshpass ?

Here I show a simple example:
sshpass -f user.pwd ssh user@hostserver path/command

Where -f indicates that the file contains the password (in this case: user.pwd)

The user@hostserver is the standard item

And the command, if you need to execute one, should be put at the end.

You can find more information here:
SSHPASS Tutorial