Apt-get, with proxy and security

mjlouis · 07-21-2009, 04:28 PM

Hi all,
Hopefuly this is simple and just a case of long-day-itus with a side order of me being a numbnuts! Anyway, here's the problem:

I have a Linux box that access the internet through a proxy that needs authentication. The back end systems are Windows active directory if that's of help/hinderance.
Now, when I want to run apt-get commands, I could just open a terminal and stick in:

Code:

export http_proxy="http://domain\username:mypassword@someproxy.com:80/"

Then apt-get as much as I like. Unfortunately, this means a large dose of clear-text password, which I don't like. I can clear out my history, but there must be a better way. I could also export that environment variable through my profile, but it still needs my password sitting there in clear text.

So, anyone know of a better way? Pointers to RTFM are also welcome...if you point me to the relevant 'FM', I will 'RT' :-)

Thanks and virtual pints/chocolate await!

jlinkels · 07-21-2009, 09:07 PM

Create an apt.conf file in you home directory with the apropriate username/password combination and make the file 600. Call apt with the -c option. Or maybe apt has an option for look for a certain config file in your home dir without any special options.

Making the file 600 in your home dir is an acceptable security for files containing passwords, done my fetchmail and MySQL.

jlinkels

mjlouis · 07-22-2009, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlinkels

Create an apt.conf file in you home directory with the apropriate username/password combination and make the file 600. Call apt with the -c option. Or maybe apt has an option for look for a certain config file in your home dir without any special options.

Making the file 600 in your home dir is an acceptable security for files containing passwords, done my fetchmail and MySQL.
jlinkels

Nice! I like that. Please help yourself to the large bag of virtual chocolate and a pint <points over there>

Thanks!