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* Account modules check that the specified account is a valid authentication target under current conditions. This may include conditions like account expiration, time of day, and that the user has access to the requested service.
* Account modules check that the specified account is a valid authentication target under current conditions. This may include conditions like account expiration, time of day, and that the user has access to the requested service.
* Authentication modules verify the users identify, for example by requesting and checking a password or other secret. They may also pass authentication information on to other systems like a [[keyring]].
* Authentication modules verify the users identity, for example by requesting and checking a password or other secret. They may also pass authentication information on to other systems like a [[keyring]].
* Password modules are responsible for updating passwords, and are generally coupled to modules employed in the authentication step. They may also be used to enforce strong passwords.
* Password modules are responsible for updating passwords, and are generally coupled to modules employed in the authentication step. They may also be used to enforce strong passwords.
* Session modules define actions that are performed at the beginning and end of sessions. A session starts after the user has successfully authenticated.
* Session modules define actions that are performed at the beginning and end of sessions. A session starts after the user has successfully authenticated.

Revision as of 15:48, 4 June 2009

Linux Pluggable Authentication Modules (PAM) provide dynamic authorization for applications and services in a Linux system. Linux PAM is evolved from the Unix Pluggable Authentication Modules architecture.


There are four groups for independent management:

  • Account modules check that the specified account is a valid authentication target under current conditions. This may include conditions like account expiration, time of day, and that the user has access to the requested service.
  • Authentication modules verify the users identity, for example by requesting and checking a password or other secret. They may also pass authentication information on to other systems like a keyring.
  • Password modules are responsible for updating passwords, and are generally coupled to modules employed in the authentication step. They may also be used to enforce strong passwords.
  • Session modules define actions that are performed at the beginning and end of sessions. A session starts after the user has successfully authenticated.

See also