TWiki.TWikiAccessControl (r1.1 vs. r1.28)
Diffs

 <<O>>  Difference Topic TWikiAccessControl (r1.28 - 14 Apr 2003 - PeterThoeny)
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META TOPICINFO PeterThoeny date="1041128291" format="1.0" version="1.27"
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META TOPICINFO PeterThoeny date="1050304762" format="1.0" version="1.28"

TOC: No TOC in "TWiki.TWikiAccessControl"
Line: 25 to 25

  • Create broad-based Groups (for more and varied input), and...
  • Avoid creating view-only Users (if you can read it, you should be able to contribute to it).
Added:
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Authentication vs. Access Control

Authentication: Identifies who a user is based on a login procedure. See TWikiUserAuthentication.

Access control: Restrict access to content based on users and groups once a user is identified.


Users and Groups

Access control is based on the familiar concept of Users and Groups. Users are defined by their WikiNames. They can then be organized in unlimited combinations by inclusion in one or more user Groups. For convenience, Groups can also be included in other Groups.


 <<O>>  Difference Topic TWikiAccessControl (r1.27 - 29 Dec 2002 - PeterThoeny)
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META TOPICINFO PeterThoeny date="1022686560" format="1.0" version="1.26"
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META TOPICINFO PeterThoeny date="1041128291" format="1.0" version="1.27"

TOC: No TOC in "TWiki.TWikiAccessControl"
Line: 31 to 31

Managing Users

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A user is created with the TWikiRegistration form. The process generates a topic in the Main web in the new user's WikiName. The default visitor name is TWikiGuest.
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A user can create an account in TWikiRegistration. The following actions are performed:

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  • Users can be authenticated using Basic Authentication (htaccess) or SSL (secure server). In either case, TWikiUserAuthentication is required in order to track user identities, and use User and Group access control.
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  • WikiName and encrypted password are recorded in .htpasswd if authentication is enabled.
  • A confirmation e-mail is sent to the user.
  • A user home page with the WikiName of the user is created in the Main web.
  • The user is added to the TWikiUsers topic.

Users can be authenticated using Basic Authentication (htaccess) or SSL (secure server). In either case, TWikiUserAuthentication is required in order to track user identities, and use User and Group access control.

The default visitor name is TWikiGuest. This is the non-authenticated user.


Managing Groups


 <<O>>  Difference Topic TWikiAccessControl (r1.26 - 29 May 2002 - PeterThoeny)
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META TOPICINFO PeterThoeny date="1022658495" format="1.0" version="1.25"
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META TOPICINFO PeterThoeny date="1022686560" format="1.0" version="1.26"

TOC: No TOC in "TWiki.TWikiAccessControl"
Line: 144 to 144

  1. Restrict view access to selected Users and Groups. Set one or both of these variables in its WebPreferences topic:
    • Set DENYWEBVIEW = < list of Users and Groups >
    • Set ALLOWWEBVIEW = < list of Users and Groups >
Added:
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    • Note: DENYWEBVIEW is evaluated before ALLOWWEBVIEW. Access is denied if the authenticated person is in the DENYWEBVIEW list, or not in the ALLOWWEBVIEW list. Access is granted in case DENYWEBVIEW and ALLOWWEBVIEW is not defined.

  1. Hide the web from an "all webs" search. Enable this restriction with the NOSEARCHALL variable in its WebPreferences topic:
    • Set NOSEARCHALL = on
  2. Add view to the list of authenticated scripts in the .htaccess file.
Line: 157 to 158

  1. Restrict view access to selected Users and Groups. Set one or both of these variables in its WebPreferences topic:
    • Set DENYWEBVIEW = < list of Users and Groups >
    • Set ALLOWWEBVIEW = < list of Users and Groups >
Added:
>
>
    • Note: DENYWEBVIEW is evaluated before ALLOWWEBVIEW. Access is denied if the authenticated person is in the DENYWEBVIEW list, or not in the ALLOWWEBVIEW list. Access is granted in case DENYWEBVIEW and ALLOWWEBVIEW is not defined.

  1. Hide the web from an "all webs" search. Enable this restriction with the NOSEARCHALL variable in its WebPreferences topic:
    • Set NOSEARCHALL = on
  2. Enable the $doRememberRemoteUser flag in lib/TWiki.cfg as described in TWikiUserAuthentication. JCuckoo will now remember the IP address of an authenticated user.
Line: 170 to 172

Hiding Control Settings

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  • TIP To hide access control settings from normal browser viewing, place them in comment markers.
<!--
  • Set DENYTOPICCHANGE = Main.SomeGroup
    -->
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TIP To hide access control settings from normal browser viewing, place them in comment markers.

<!--
   * Set DENYTOPICCHANGE = Main.SomeGroup
-->


The SuperAdminGroup


 <<O>>  Difference Topic TWikiAccessControl (r1.25 - 29 May 2002 - PeterThoeny)
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META TOPICINFO MikeMannix? date="1021203240" format="1.0" version="1.24"
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META TOPICINFO PeterThoeny date="1022658495" format="1.0" version="1.25"

TOC: No TOC in "TWiki.TWikiAccessControl"
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  • DENYTOPICRENAME (in topic) overrides DENYWEBRENAME (in WebPreferences)
  • ALLOWTOPICRENAME (in topic) overrides ALLOWWEBRENAME (in WebPreferences)
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Restricting Web Access

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Restricting Read Access


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You can prevent selected Users and Groups from accessing certain webs, by hiding them using restricting read access, or by requiring login. There are two basic methods, one simple, using standard preferences variables to hide a web, but offering low security, and a secure log-in approach that is currently a workaround, involving some minor script and filesystem modification.
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You can define who is allowed to see a web.

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Create Hidden Webs

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Deny Viewing by Topic


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You can prevent selected Users and Groups from viewing certain JCuckoo webs by setting one or both of these variables in each web's WebPreferences topic:
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ALERT! Technically it is possible to restrict read access to an individual topic based on DENYTOPICVIEW / ALLOWTOPICVIEW preferences variables, provided that the view script is authenticated. However this setup is not recommended since all content is searchable within a web - a search will turn up view restricted topics.

Deny Viewing by Web

You can define restrictions of who is allowed to view a JCuckoo web. You can restrict access to certain webs to selected Users and Groups, by:

  • obfuscating webs: Insecure but handy method to hide new webs until content is ready for deployment.
  • authenticating all webs and restricting selected webs: Topic access in all webs is authenticated, and selected webs have restricted access.
  • authenticating and restricting selected webs only: Provide unrestricted viewing access to open webs, with authentication and restriction only on selected webs.

Obfuscate Webs

The idea is to keep a web hidden by not publishing its URL and by preventing the all webs search option from accessing obfuscated webs. Do so by enabling the NOSEARCHALL variable in WebPreferences:

  • Set NOSEARCHALL = on

This setup can be useful to hide a new web until content its ready for deployment.

ALERT! Obfuscating webs is insecure, as anyone who knows the URL can access the web.

Authenticate all Webs and Restrict Selected Webs

Use the following setup to authenticate users for topic viewing in all webs and to restrict access to selected webs:

  1. Restrict view access to selected Users and Groups. Set one or both of these variables in its WebPreferences topic:

  • Set DENYWEBVIEW = < list of Users and Groups >
  • Set ALLOWWEBVIEW = < list of Users and Groups >
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TIP If keeping a hidden web out of general use is a consideration, you can prevent the all webs search option from accessing hidden webs, by enabling the NOSEARCHALL variable in WebPreferences:

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  1. Hide the web from an "all webs" search. Enable this restriction with the NOSEARCHALL variable in its WebPreferences topic:

  • Set NOSEARCHALL = on
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    • It is not recommended to restrict view access to individual topics since all content is searchable within a web.
    • HELPThis method only works if the view script is authenticated, which means that all Users have to login, even for read-only access. (An open guest account, like TWikiGuest, can get around this, allowing anyone to login to a common account with, for example, view-only access for public webs.) TWikiInstallationGuide has more on Basic Authentication, using the .htaccess file.
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  1. Add view to the list of authenticated scripts in the .htaccess file.

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ALERT! Hiding webs is not very secure, as there is a way to circumvent the read access restriction. It can be useful in certain situations - for example, to simplify site organization and clutter, by hiding low traffic webs - but is not recommended for securing sensitive content. (See the next section for a more secure approach.)
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HELP This method only works if the view script is authenticated, which means that all Users have to login, even for read-only access. (An open guest account, like TWikiGuest, can get around this, allowing anyone to login to a common account with, for example, view-only access for public webs.) TWikiInstallationGuide has more on Basic Authentication, using the .htaccess file.

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Create Authenticated Access By Web

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Authenticate and Restricting Selected Webs Only


Use the following setup to provide unrestricted viewing access to open webs, with authentication only on selected webs:

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  1. Omit the view script from the .htaccess file.
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  1. Restrict view access to selected Users and Groups. Set one or both of these variables in its WebPreferences topic:
    • Set DENYWEBVIEW = < list of Users and Groups >
    • Set ALLOWWEBVIEW = < list of Users and Groups >
  2. Hide the web from an "all webs" search. Enable this restriction with the NOSEARCHALL variable in its WebPreferences topic:
    • Set NOSEARCHALL = on

  1. Enable the $doRememberRemoteUser flag in lib/TWiki.cfg as described in TWikiUserAuthentication. JCuckoo will now remember the IP address of an authenticated user.
  2. Copy the view script to viewauth (or better, create a symbolic link)
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  1. Add viewauth to the list of authenticated scripts in the .htaccess file.
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  1. Add viewauth to the list of authenticated scripts in the .htaccess file. The view script should not be listed in the .htaccess file.

When a user accesses a web where you enabled view restriction, JCuckoo will redirect from the view script to the viewauth script once (this happens only if the user has never edited a topic). Doing so will ask for authentication. The viewauth script shows the requested topic if the user could log on and if the user is authorized to see that web.

ALERT! Authenticating webs is not very secure, as there is a way to circumvent the read access restriction. It can be useful in certain situations - for example, to simplify site organization and clutter, by hiding low traffic webs - but is not recommended for securing sensitive content.


Deleted:
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  • When a user accesses a web where you enabled view restriction, JCuckoo will redirect from the view script to the viewauth script once (this happens only if the user has never edited a topic). Doing so will ask for authentication. The viewauth script shows the requested topic if the user could log on and if the user is authorized to see that web.
  • If you enable view restriction for a web, it is recommended to restrict search "all webs" from searching this web. Enable this restriction with the NOSEARCHALL variable in its WebPreferences, like:
    • Set NOSEARCHALL = on
  • It is not recommended to restrict view access to individual topics since all content is searchable within a web - a search will turn up the "hidden" topic.

Hiding Control Settings


 <<O>>  Difference Topic TWikiAccessControl (r1.24 - 12 May 2002 - MikeMannix?)
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META TOPICINFO PeterThoeny date="1020495474" format="1.0" version="1.23"
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META TOPICINFO MikeMannix? date="1021203240" format="1.0" version="1.24"

TWiki Access Control

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Restricting read and write access to topics and webs, by users and groups
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Restricting read and write access to topics and webs, by Users and groups

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TWikiAccessControl allows you restrict access to single topics and entire webs, by individual user and by user groups, in three main areas: view; edit & attach; and rename/move/delete. These controls, combined with TWikiUserAuthentication, let you easily create and manage an extremely flexible, fine-grained privilege system.
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TWikiAccessControl allows you restrict access to single topics and entire webs, by individual user and by user Groups, in three areas: view; edit & attach; and rename/move/delete. Access control, combined with TWikiUserAuthentication, lets you easily create and manage an extremely flexible, fine-grained privilege system.

An Important Control Consideration

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Open, freeform editing is the essence of the WikiCulture - it's what makes TWiki different and often more effective than other collaboration tools. So, it is strongly recommended that decisions to restrict read or write access to a web or a topic are made with care. Experience shows that unrestricted write access works very well because:
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Open, freeform editing is the essence of WikiCulture - what makes TWiki different and often more effective than other collaboration tools. For that reason, it is strongly recommended that decisions to restrict read or write access to a web or a topic are made with care - the more restrictions, the less Wiki in the mix. Experience shows that unrestricted write access works very well because:

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  • Peer influence is enough to ensure that only relevant content is posted.
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  • Peer influence is enough to ensure that only relevant content is posted.

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  • Peer editing - the ability to rearrange anything on a page - keeps topics focussed.
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  • Peer editing - the ability for anyone to rearrange all content on a page - keeps topics focussed.

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  • All content is preserved under revision control.
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  • In TWiki, content is transparently preserved under revision control:

    • Edits can be undone by the TWikiAdminGroup (the default administrators group; see #ManagingGroups).
    • Users are encouraged to edit and refactor (condense a long topic), since there's a safety net.
Changed:
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As a collaboration guideline:
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As a collaboration guideline:

Changed:
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  • Create broad groups (more and varied input), and...
  • Avoid creating view-only users (if you can read it, you can contribute to it).
>
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  • Create broad-based Groups (for more and varied input), and...
  • Avoid creating view-only Users (if you can read it, you should be able to contribute to it).

Users and Groups

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Access control is based on users and groups. Users are defined by their WikiNames, an then organized in unlimited combinations under different user groups.
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Access control is based on the familiar concept of Users and Groups. Users are defined by their WikiNames. They can then be organized in unlimited combinations by inclusion in one or more user Groups. For convenience, Groups can also be included in other Groups.

Managing Users

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A user is created by with the TWikiRegistration form. The process generates a topic in the Main web in the new user's WikiName. The default visitor name is TWikiGuest.
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A user is created with the TWikiRegistration form. The process generates a topic in the Main web in the new user's WikiName. The default visitor name is TWikiGuest.

Changed:
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  • Users can be authenticated using Basic Authentication or SSL. TWikiUserAuthentication is required in order to track user identities.
>
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  • Users can be authenticated using Basic Authentication (htaccess) or SSL (secure server). In either case, TWikiUserAuthentication is required in order to track user identities, and use User and Group access control.

Managing Groups

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Groups are defined by group topics in the Main web, like the TWikiAdminGroup. To create a new group:
  1. Start in TWikiGroups and create a new topic with a name that ends in Group. Example:
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Groups are defined by group topics created in the Main web, like the TWikiAdminGroup. To create a new group:
  1. Edit TWikiGroups by entering a new topic with a name that ends in Group. Example:

    • SomeGroup
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  1. Define two variables in the group topic:
    • Set GROUP = < list of users and/or groups >
    • Set ALLOWTOPICCHANGE = < list of users and/or groups >

  • A variables is defined as a bullet of format Set NAME = value. A bullet line starts with a multiple of three spaces, an asterisk, and a space.
  • The GROUP variable is a comma-separated list of users and/or other groups. Example:
    • Set GROUP = Main.SomeUser, Main.OtherUser, Main.SomeOtherGroup
  • ALLOWTOPICCHANGE defines who is allowed to change the group topic; it is a comma delimited list of users and groups. You typically want to restrict that to the members of the group itself, so it should contain the name of the topic. (This prevents users not in the group from editing the topic and from gaining unauthorized membership to the group.) For example, for the TWikiAdminGroup topic write:
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  1. Set Preferences for two Variables in the new group topic:
    • Set GROUP = < list of Users and/or Groups >
    • Set ALLOWTOPICCHANGE = < list of Users and/or Groups >
    • The GROUP variable is a comma-separated list of Users and/or other Groups. Example:
      • Set GROUP = Main.SomeUser, Main.OtherUser, Main.SomeGroup
    • ALLOWTOPICCHANGE defines who is allowed to change the group topic; it is a comma delimited list of Users and Groups. You typically want to restrict that to the members of the group itself, so it should contain the name of the topic. (This prevents Users not in the Group from editing the topic to give themselves or others access. For example, for the TWikiAdminGroup topic write:

    • Set ALLOWTOPICCHANGE = Main.TWikiAdminGroup

Restricting Write Access

Line: 59 to 57

Denying editing of a topic also restricts file attachment; both privileges are assigned together.

  • Define one or both of these variables in a topic, preferably at the end of the page:
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    • Set DENYTOPICCHANGE = < list of users and groups >
    • Set ALLOWTOPICCHANGE = < list of users and groups >
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    • Set DENYTOPICCHANGE = < list of Users and Groups >
    • Set ALLOWTOPICCHANGE = < list of Users and Groups >

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  • DENYTOPICCHANGE defines users or groups that are not allowed to make changes to the topic. It is a comma delimited list of users and groups. Example:
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  • DENYTOPICCHANGE defines Users or Groups that are not allowed to make changes to the topic, with a comma-delimited list. Example:

    • Set DENYTOPICCHANGE = Main.SomeBadBoy, Main.SomeBadGirl, Main.SomeHackerGroup
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  • ALLOWTOPICCHANGE defines users or groups that are allowed to make changes to the topic. It is a comma delimited list of users and groups. Example:
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  • ALLOWTOPICCHANGE defines Users or Groups that are allowed to make changes to the topic. It is a comma delimited list of Users and Groups. Example:

    • Set ALLOWTOPICCHANGE = Main.SomeGoodGuy, Main.SomeGoodGirl, Main.TWikiAdminGroup

  • DENYTOPICCHANGE is evaluated before ALLOWTOPICCHANGE. Access is denied if the authenticated person is in the DENYTOPICCHANGE list, or not in the ALLOWTOPICCHANGE list. Access is granted in case DENYTOPICCHANGE and ALLOWTOPICCHANGE is not defined.
Line: 75 to 73

Restricting web-level editing blocks creating new topics, changing topics or attaching files.

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    • Set DENYWEBCHANGE = < list of users and groups >
    • Set ALLOWWEBCHANGE = < list of users and groups >
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    • Set DENYWEBCHANGE = < list of Users and Groups >
    • Set ALLOWWEBCHANGE = < list of Users and Groups >

The same rules apply as for restricting topics, with these additions:

  • DENYTOPICCHANGE (in topic) overrides DENYWEBCHANGE (in WebPreferences)
Line: 91 to 89

To allow a user to rename, move or delete a topic, they also need write (editing) permission. They also need write access to change references in referring topics.

  • Define one or both of these variables in a topic, preferably at the end of the topic:
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    • Set DENYTOPICRENAME = < list of users and groups >
    • Set ALLOWTOPICRENAME = < list of users and groups >
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    • Set DENYTOPICRENAME = < list of Users and Groups >
    • Set ALLOWTOPICRENAME = < list of Users and Groups >

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  • DENYTOPICCRENAME defines users or groups that are not allowed to rename the topic. It is a comma delimited list of users and groups. Example:
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  • DENYTOPICCRENAME defines Users or Groups that are not allowed to rename the topic. It is a comma delimited list of Users and Groups. Example:

    • Set DENYTOPICRENAME = Main.SomeBadBoy, Main.SomeBadGirl, Main.SomeHackerGroup
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  • ALLOWTOPICRENAME defines users or groups that are allowed to rename the topic. It is a comma delimited list of users and groups. Example:
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  • ALLOWTOPICRENAME defines Users or Groups that are allowed to rename the topic. It is a comma delimited list of Users and Groups. Example:

    • Set ALLOWTOPICRENAME = Main.SomeGoodGuy, Main.SomeGoodGirl, Main.TWikiAdminGroup

  • DENYTOPICRENAME is evaluated before ALLOWTOPICRENAME. Access is denied if the authenticated person is in the DENYTOPICRENAME list, or not in the ALLOWTOPICRENAME list. Access is granted in case DENYTOPICRENAME and ALLOWTOPICRENAME is not defined.
Line: 107 to 105

You can define restrictions of who is allowed to rename a JCuckoo web.

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    • Set DENYWEBRENAME = < list of users and groups >
    • Set ALLOWWEBRENAME = < list of users and groups >
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    • Set DENYWEBRENAME = < list of Users and Groups >
    • Set ALLOWWEBRENAME = < list of Users and Groups >

The same rules apply as for topics, with these additions:

  • DENYTOPICRENAME (in topic) overrides DENYWEBRENAME (in WebPreferences)
Line: 116 to 114

Restricting Web Access

Changed:
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You can prevent selected users and groups from accessing certain webs, by hiding them using restricting read access, or by requiring login. There are two basic methods, one simple, using standard preferences variables to hide a web, but offering low security, and a secure log-in approach that is currently a workaround, involving some minor script and filesystem modification.
>
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You can prevent selected Users and Groups from accessing certain webs, by hiding them using restricting read access, or by requiring login. There are two basic methods, one simple, using standard preferences variables to hide a web, but offering low security, and a secure log-in approach that is currently a workaround, involving some minor script and filesystem modification.

Create Hidden Webs

Changed:
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You can prevent selected users and groups from viewing certain JCuckoo webs by setting one or both of these variables in each web's WebPreferences topic:
  • Set DENYWEBVIEW = < list of users and groups >
  • Set ALLOWWEBVIEW = < list of users and groups >
>
>
You can prevent selected Users and Groups from viewing certain JCuckoo webs by setting one or both of these variables in each web's WebPreferences topic:
  • Set DENYWEBVIEW = < list of Users and Groups >
  • Set ALLOWWEBVIEW = < list of Users and Groups >

TIP If keeping a hidden web out of general use is a consideration, you can prevent the all webs search option from accessing hidden webs, by enabling the NOSEARCHALL variable in WebPreferences:

  • Set NOSEARCHALL = on
    • It is not recommended to restrict view access to individual topics since all content is searchable within a web.
Changed:
<
<
    • HELPThis method only works if the view script is authenticated, which means that all users have to login, even for read-only access. (An open guest account, like TWikiGuest, can get around this, allowing anyone to login to a common account with, for example, view-only access for public webs.) TWikiInstallationGuide has more on Basic Authentication, using the .htaccess file.
>
>
    • HELPThis method only works if the view script is authenticated, which means that all Users have to login, even for read-only access. (An open guest account, like TWikiGuest, can get around this, allowing anyone to login to a common account with, for example, view-only access for public webs.) TWikiInstallationGuide has more on Basic Authentication, using the .htaccess file.

ALERT! Hiding webs is not very secure, as there is a way to circumvent the read access restriction. It can be useful in certain situations - for example, to simplify site organization and clutter, by hiding low traffic webs - but is not recommended for securing sensitive content. (See the next section for a more secure approach.)

Line: 142 to 140

  • When a user accesses a web where you enabled view restriction, JCuckoo will redirect from the view script to the viewauth script once (this happens only if the user has never edited a topic). Doing so will ask for authentication. The viewauth script shows the requested topic if the user could log on and if the user is authorized to see that web.
  • If you enable view restriction for a web, it is recommended to restrict search "all webs" from searching this web. Enable this restriction with the NOSEARCHALL variable in its WebPreferences, like:
    • Set NOSEARCHALL = on
Changed:
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  • It is not recommended to restrict view access to individual topics since all content is searchable within a web.
>
>
  • It is not recommended to restrict view access to individual topics since all content is searchable within a web - a search will turn up the "hidden" topic.

Hiding Control Settings

  • TIP To hide access control settings from normal browser viewing, place them in comment markers.
<!--
Changed:
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Set DENYTOPICCHANGE = Main.SomeGroup
>
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  • Set DENYTOPICCHANGE = Main.SomeGroup

-->
Line: 157 to 155

The SuperAdminGroup

By mistyping a user or group name in the ALLOWTOPICCHANGE setting, it's possible to lock a topic so that no-one can edit it from a browser. To avoid this, you can create Web-based superusers:

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  • Set the $superAdminGroup variable in lib/TWiki.cfg to the name of a group of users who are always allowed to edit/view topics.
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  • Set the $superAdminGroup variable in lib/TWiki.cfg to the name of a group of Users who are always allowed to edit/view topics.

$superAdminGroup = "TWikiAdminGroup";
Line: 165 to 163

  • The default setting is not to have superusers.
Changed:
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-- MikeMannix? - 01 Apr 2002
-- PeterThoeny - 04 May 2002
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-- PeterThoeny - 04 May 2002
-- MikeMannix? - 12 May 2002

 <<O>>  Difference Topic TWikiAccessControl (r1.23 - 04 May 2002 - PeterThoeny)
Changed:
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META TOPICINFO MikeMannix? date="1017705859" format="1.0" version="1.22"
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META TOPICINFO PeterThoeny date="1020495474" format="1.0" version="1.23"

TOC: No TOC in "TWiki.TWikiAccessControl"
Line: 17 to 17

  • Peer editing - the ability to rearrange anything on a page - keeps topics focussed.

  • All content is preserved under revision control.
Changed:
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    • Edits can be undone by the TWikiAdminGroup (the default administrators group; see #ManagingGroups).
>
>

    • Users are encouraged to edit and refactor (condense a long topic), since there's a safety net.

As a collaboration guideline:

Line: 38 to 38

Managing Groups

Changed:
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Groups are defined by group topics in the Main web, like the TWikiAdminGroup. To start a new group:
  1. Create a new topic with A name that ends in Group, SomeGroup
  2. Define two variables:
    • Set GROUP = < list of users and groups >
    • Set ALLOWTOPICCHANGE = < list of users and groups >

  • GROUP is a comma-separated list of users and of other groups:
        Set GROUP = Main.SomeUser, Main.OtherUser, Main.SomeOtherGroup

  • ALLOWTOPICCHANGE defines who is allowed to change the group topic; it is a comma delimited list of users and groups. You typically want to restrict that to the members of the group itself, so it should contain the name of the topic,
        Set ALLOWTOPICCHANGE = Main.TWikiAdminGroup
    for the TWikiAdminGroup topic. (This prevents users not in the group from editing the topic and from gaining unauthorized membership to the group.)
>
>
Groups are defined by group topics in the Main web, like the TWikiAdminGroup. To create a new group:
  1. Start in TWikiGroups and create a new topic with a name that ends in Group. Example:
    • SomeGroup
  2. Define two variables in the group topic:
    • Set GROUP = < list of users and/or groups >
    • Set ALLOWTOPICCHANGE = < list of users and/or groups >

  • A variables is defined as a bullet of format Set NAME = value. A bullet line starts with a multiple of three spaces, an asterisk, and a space.
  • The GROUP variable is a comma-separated list of users and/or other groups. Example:
    • Set GROUP = Main.SomeUser, Main.OtherUser, Main.SomeOtherGroup
  • ALLOWTOPICCHANGE defines who is allowed to change the group topic; it is a comma delimited list of users and groups. You typically want to restrict that to the members of the group itself, so it should contain the name of the topic. (This prevents users not in the group from editing the topic and from gaining unauthorized membership to the group.) For example, for the TWikiAdminGroup topic write:
    • Set ALLOWTOPICCHANGE = Main.TWikiAdminGroup

Restricting Write Access

Line: 59 to 59

Denying editing of a topic also restricts file attachment; both privileges are assigned together.

  • Define one or both of these variables in a topic, preferably at the end of the page:
Changed:
<
<
    • Set DENYTOPICCHANGE = < list of users and groups >
    • Set ALLOWTOPICCHANGE = < list of users and groups >
>
>
    • Set DENYTOPICCHANGE = < list of users and groups >
    • Set ALLOWTOPICCHANGE = < list of users and groups >

Changed:
<
<
  • DENYTOPICCHANGE defines users or groups that are not allowed to make changes to the topic. It is a comma delimited list of users and groups. Example:
        * Set DENYTOPICCHANGE = Main.SomeBadBoy, Main.SomeBadGirl, Main.SomeHackerGroup
>
>
  • DENYTOPICCHANGE defines users or groups that are not allowed to make changes to the topic. It is a comma delimited list of users and groups. Example:
    • Set DENYTOPICCHANGE = Main.SomeBadBoy, Main.SomeBadGirl, Main.SomeHackerGroup

Changed:
<
<
  • ALLOWTOPICCHANGE defines users or groups that are allowed to make changes to the topic. It is a comma delimited list of users and groups. Example:
        * Set ALLOWTOPICCHANGE = Main.SomeGoodGuy, Main.SomeGoodGirl, Main.TWikiAdminGroup
>
>
  • ALLOWTOPICCHANGE defines users or groups that are allowed to make changes to the topic. It is a comma delimited list of users and groups. Example:
    • Set ALLOWTOPICCHANGE = Main.SomeGoodGuy, Main.SomeGoodGirl, Main.TWikiAdminGroup

  • DENYTOPICCHANGE is evaluated before ALLOWTOPICCHANGE. Access is denied if the authenticated person is in the DENYTOPICCHANGE list, or not in the ALLOWTOPICCHANGE list. Access is granted in case DENYTOPICCHANGE and ALLOWTOPICCHANGE is not defined.
Line: 73 to 75

Restricting web-level editing blocks creating new topics, changing topics or attaching files.

Changed:
<
<
    • Set DENYWEBCHANGE = < list of users and groups >
    • Set ALLOWWEBCHANGE = < list of users and groups >
>
>
    • Set DENYWEBCHANGE = < list of users and groups >
    • Set ALLOWWEBCHANGE = < list of users and groups >

The same rules apply as for restricting topics, with these additions:

  • DENYTOPICCHANGE (in topic) overrides DENYWEBCHANGE (in WebPreferences)
Line: 89 to 91

To allow a user to rename, move or delete a topic, they also need write (editing) permission. They also need write access to change references in referring topics.

  • Define one or both of these variables in a topic, preferably at the end of the topic:
Changed:
<
<
    • Set DENYTOPICRENAME = < list of users and groups >
    • Set ALLOWTOPICRENAME = < list of users and groups >
>
>
    • Set DENYTOPICRENAME = < list of users and groups >
    • Set ALLOWTOPICRENAME = < list of users and groups >

Changed:
<
<
  • DENYTOPICCRENAME defines users or groups that are not allowed to rename the topic. It is a comma delimited list of users and groups. Example:
        * Set DENYTOPICRENAME = Main.SomeBadBoy, Main.SomeBadGirl, Main.SomeHackerGroup
>
>
  • DENYTOPICCRENAME defines users or groups that are not allowed to rename the topic. It is a comma delimited list of users and groups. Example:
    • Set DENYTOPICRENAME = Main.SomeBadBoy, Main.SomeBadGirl, Main.SomeHackerGroup

Changed:
<
<
  • ALLOWTOPICRENAME defines users or groups that are allowed to rename the topic. It is a comma delimited list of users and groups. Example:
        * Set ALLOWTOPICRENAME = Main.SomeGoodGuy, Main.SomeGoodGirl, Main.TWikiAdminGroup
>
>
  • ALLOWTOPICRENAME defines users or groups that are allowed to rename the topic. It is a comma delimited list of users and groups. Example:
    • Set ALLOWTOPICRENAME = Main.SomeGoodGuy, Main.SomeGoodGirl, Main.TWikiAdminGroup

  • DENYTOPICRENAME is evaluated before ALLOWTOPICRENAME. Access is denied if the authenticated person is in the DENYTOPICRENAME list, or not in the ALLOWTOPICRENAME list. Access is granted in case DENYTOPICRENAME and ALLOWTOPICRENAME is not defined.
Line: 103 to 107

You can define restrictions of who is allowed to rename a JCuckoo web.

Changed:
<
<
    • Set DENYWEBRENAME = < list of users and groups >
    • Set ALLOWWEBRENAME = < list of users and groups >
>
>
    • Set DENYWEBRENAME = < list of users and groups >
    • Set ALLOWWEBRENAME = < list of users and groups >

The same rules apply as for topics, with these additions:

  • DENYTOPICRENAME (in topic) overrides DENYWEBRENAME (in WebPreferences)
Line: 117 to 121

Create Hidden Webs

You can prevent selected users and groups from viewing certain JCuckoo webs by setting one or both of these variables in each web's WebPreferences topic:

Changed:
<
<
  • Set DENYWEBVIEW = < list of users and groups >
  • Set ALLOWWEBVIEW = < list of users and groups >
>
>
  • Set DENYWEBVIEW = < list of users and groups >
  • Set ALLOWWEBVIEW = < list of users and groups >

TIP If keeping a hidden web out of general use is a consideration, you can prevent the all webs search option from accessing hidden webs, by enabling the NOSEARCHALL variable in WebPreferences:

Changed:
<
<
  • Set NOSEARCHALL = on
>
>
  • Set NOSEARCHALL = on

    • It is not recommended to restrict view access to individual topics since all content is searchable within a web.
    • HELPThis method only works if the view script is authenticated, which means that all users have to login, even for read-only access. (An open guest account, like TWikiGuest, can get around this, allowing anyone to login to a common account with, for example, view-only access for public webs.) TWikiInstallationGuide has more on Basic Authentication, using the .htaccess file.
Line: 129 to 133

Create Authenticated Access By Web

Changed:
<
<
ALERT! THIS SECTION CONTAINS WORKAROUNDS. Perhaps unconventional for official documentation, but practical, the following method for extending TWiki functionality involves modifying core TWiki, making it essentially not a feature but a hack. Still, it is officially TWiki developer-approved and documented, and will no doubt be included in some form in an upcoming edition of TWiki.

To selectively restrict web access with the security of Basic Authentication, there is a reliable workaround that involves some straightforward code modification:

  1. Set aside the view script (rename) and create a view subdirectory in its place.
  2. In the view subdirectory, create a separate copy of a modified viewing script for each web, and create .htaccess settings for the restricted webs.
    • TIP You can use symbolic links to a single copy of the viewing script to make any script updates that much easier.

Example of viewing script redirect
#!/usr/bin/perl -w
#

chdir '..';

# Adjust SCRIPT and PATH_INFO variables to account for the changed directory
my $web = $ENV{SCRIPT_NAME};
$web    =~ s#^.*/view(/[^/]*).*$#$1#; # isolate the path element after "view"
$ENV{PATH_TRANSLATED} =~ s#(/[^/]*)$#$web$1#;
$ENV{PATH_INFO}       =~ s#(/[^/]*)$#$web$1#;
$ENV{SCRIPT_NAME}     =~ s#/view$web#/view#;
$ENV{SCRIPT_FILENAME} =~ s#/view$web#/view#;

# open (LOG, '>>/tmp/redirect.log');
# print LOG join ("\n", scalar localtime (time ()), %ENV);
# close LOG;
exec ('/usr/bin/perl', '-wT', 'view.orig') or

print <<EOF;
Content-type: text/plain

Error executing /cgi-bin/view.orig: $?
Click the BACK button in your browser and contact webmaster\@bcs-oops.org.

EOF
  • (mod by ImmoHuneke? - 16 Mar 2002)

A SECOND OPTION: A less reliable workaround that doesn't involve code changes, but does require renaming a script, can provide the same generally unrestricted viewing access, with authentication only on selected webs:

>
>
Use the following setup to provide unrestricted viewing access to open webs, with authentication only on selected webs:

  1. Omit the view script from the .htaccess file.
  2. Enable the $doRememberRemoteUser flag in lib/TWiki.cfg as described in TWikiUserAuthentication. JCuckoo will now remember the IP address of an authenticated user.
  3. Copy the view script to viewauth (or better, create a symbolic link)
Line: 173 to 138

  1. Enable the $doRememberRemoteUser flag in lib/TWiki.cfg as described in TWikiUserAuthentication. JCuckoo will now remember the IP address of an authenticated user.
  2. Copy the view script to viewauth (or better, create a symbolic link)
  3. Add viewauth to the list of authenticated scripts in the .htaccess file.
Added:
>
>

    • When a user accesses a web where you enabled view restriction, JCuckoo will redirect from the view script to the viewauth script once (this happens only if the user has never edited a topic). Doing so will ask for authentication. The viewauth script shows the requested topic if the user could log on and if the user is authorized to see that web.
    • If you enable view restriction for a web, it is recommended to restrict search "all webs" from searching this web. Enable this restriction with the NOSEARCHALL variable in its WebPreferences, like:
Changed:
<
<
      • Set NOSEARCHALL = on
>
>
    • Set NOSEARCHALL = on

    • It is not recommended to restrict view access to individual topics since all content is searchable within a web.

Hiding Control Settings

Line: 199 to 165

  • The default setting is not to have superusers.
Changed:
<
<
-- MikeMannix? - 01 Apr 2002
>
>
-- MikeMannix? - 01 Apr 2002
-- PeterThoeny - 04 May 2002

 <<O>>  Difference Topic TWikiAccessControl (r1.22 - 02 Apr 2002 - MikeMannix?)
Changed:
<
<
META TOPICINFO MikeMannix? date="1016622944" format="1.0" version="1.21"
>
>
META TOPICINFO MikeMannix? date="1017705859" format="1.0" version="1.22"

TOC: No TOC in "TWiki.TWikiAccessControl"
Line: 57 to 57

Deny Editing by Topic

Changed:
<
<
Denying editing of a topic also restricts attaching files to it; both privileges are assigned together.
>
>
Denying editing of a topic also restricts file attachment; both privileges are assigned together.

  • Define one or both of these variables in a topic, preferably at the end of the page:
    • Set DENYTOPICCHANGE = < list of users and groups >
    • Set ALLOWTOPICCHANGE = < list of users and groups >
Line: 119 to 119

You can prevent selected users and groups from viewing certain JCuckoo webs by setting one or both of these variables in each web's WebPreferences topic:
    • Set DENYWEBVIEW = < list of users and groups >
    • Set ALLOWWEBVIEW = < list of users and groups >
Changed:
<
<
  • If keeping a hidden web out of general use is a consideration, you should also prevent the "all webs" search option from accessing each hidden web, by enabling the NOSEARCHALL variable in WebPreferences:
>
>

TIP If keeping a hidden web out of general use is a consideration, you can prevent the all webs search option from accessing hidden webs, by enabling the NOSEARCHALL variable in WebPreferences:


    • Set NOSEARCHALL = on
    • It is not recommended to restrict view access to individual topics since all content is searchable within a web.
Changed:
<
<
  • HELPThis method only works if the view script is authenticated, which means that all users have to login, even for read-only access. (An open guest account, like TWikiGuest, can get around this, allowing anyone to login with, for example, view-only access for public webs.) TWikiInstallationGuide has more on Basic Authentication, using the .htaccess file.
  • ALERT! Hiding webs is not very secure, as there is a way to circumvent the read access restriction. It can be useful in certain situations - for example, to simplify site organization and clutter, by hiding low traffic webs - but is not recommended for securing sensitive content.
>
>
    • HELPThis method only works if the view script is authenticated, which means that all users have to login, even for read-only access. (An open guest account, like TWikiGuest, can get around this, allowing anyone to login to a common account with, for example, view-only access for public webs.) TWikiInstallationGuide has more on Basic Authentication, using the .htaccess file.

ALERT! Hiding webs is not very secure, as there is a way to circumvent the read access restriction. It can be useful in certain situations - for example, to simplify site organization and clutter, by hiding low traffic webs - but is not recommended for securing sensitive content. (See the next section for a more secure approach.)


Create Authenticated Access By Web

Changed:
<
<
To selectively restrict web access with the security of Basic Authentication, there is a reliable workaround that involves some straightforward code modification:
>
>
ALERT! THIS SECTION CONTAINS WORKAROUNDS. Perhaps unconventional for official documentation, but practical, the following method for extending TWiki functionality involves modifying core TWiki, making it essentially not a feature but a hack. Still, it is officially TWiki developer-approved and documented, and will no doubt be included in some form in an upcoming edition of TWiki.

To selectively restrict web access with the security of Basic Authentication, there is a reliable workaround that involves some straightforward code modification:


  1. Set aside the view script (rename) and create a view subdirectory in its place.
  2. In the view subdirectory, create a separate copy of a modified viewing script for each web, and create .htaccess settings for the restricted webs.
    • TIP You can use symbolic links to a single copy of the viewing script to make any script updates that much easier.
Changed:
<
<
>
>

Example of viewing script redirect
#!/usr/bin/perl -w
Line: 162 to 166

EOF
Changed:
<
<
  • (Mod by ImmoHuneke? - 16 Mar 2002)
>
>
  • (mod by ImmoHuneke? - 16 Mar 2002)

Changed:
<
<
A SECOND OPTION: A less reliable workaround that also requires code changes is available to provide the same unrestricted viewing access, with authentication required only on selected webs:
>
>
A SECOND OPTION: A less reliable workaround that doesn't involve code changes, but does require renaming a script, can provide the same generally unrestricted viewing access, with authentication only on selected webs:

  1. Omit the view script from the .htaccess file.
Changed:
<
<
  1. Enable the $doRememberRemoteUser flag in lib/TWiki.cfg as described in TWikiUserAuthentication. JCuckoo will now remember the IP address of an authenticated user. 1. Copy the view script to viewauth (or better, create a symbolic link) 1. Add viewauth to the list of authenticated scripts in the .htaccess file.
>
>
  1. Enable the $doRememberRemoteUser flag in lib/TWiki.cfg as described in TWikiUserAuthentication. JCuckoo will now remember the IP address of an authenticated user.
  2. Copy the view script to viewauth (or better, create a symbolic link)
  3. Add viewauth to the list of authenticated scripts in the .htaccess file.

    • When a user accesses a web where you enabled view restriction, JCuckoo will redirect from the view script to the viewauth script once (this happens only if the user has never edited a topic). Doing so will ask for authentication. The viewauth script shows the requested topic if the user could log on and if the user is authorized to see that web.
    • If you enable view restriction for a web, it is recommended to restrict search "all webs" from searching this web. Enable this restriction with the NOSEARCHALL variable in its WebPreferences, like:
      • Set NOSEARCHALL = on
Line: 184 to 190

The SuperAdminGroup

Changed:
<
<
By mistyping a user or group name in the ALLOWTOPICCHANGE setting, it's possible to lock a topic so that it no-one can edit it from a browser. To avoid this:
  • Set the $superAdminGroup variable in lib/TWiki.cfg to the name of a group of users that are always allowed to edit/view topics.
>
>
By mistyping a user or group name in the ALLOWTOPICCHANGE setting, it's possible to lock a topic so that no-one can edit it from a browser. To avoid this, you can create Web-based superusers:
  • Set the $superAdminGroup variable in lib/TWiki.cfg to the name of a group of users who are always allowed to edit/view topics.

$superAdminGroup = "TWikiAdminGroup";
Line: 193 to 199

  • The default setting is not to have superusers.
Changed:
<
<
-- MikeMannix? - 20 Mar 2002
>
>
-- MikeMannix? - 01 Apr 2002

 <<O>>  Difference Topic TWikiAccessControl (r1.21 - 20 Mar 2002 - MikeMannix?)
Changed:
<
<
META TOPICINFO MikeMannix? date="1007283720" format="1.0" version="1.20"
>
>
META TOPICINFO MikeMannix? date="1016622944" format="1.0" version="1.21"

TOC: No TOC in "TWiki.TWikiAccessControl"
Line: 6 to 6

Restricting read and write access to topics and webs, by users and groups

Deleted:
<
<

Overview


TWikiAccessControl allows you restrict access to single topics and entire webs, by individual user and by user groups, in three main areas: view; edit & attach; and rename/move/delete. These controls, combined with TWikiUserAuthentication, let you easily create and manage an extremely flexible, fine-grained privilege system.

An Important Control Consideration

Line: 29 to 27

Users and Groups

Changed:
<
<
Access control is based on users and groups. Users are defined by their WikiNames, an then organized into unlimited combinations under different user groups.
>
>
Access control is based on users and groups. Users are defined by their WikiNames, an then organized in unlimited combinations under different user groups.

Managing Users

Line: 112 to 110

  • DENYTOPICRENAME (in topic) overrides DENYWEBRENAME (in WebPreferences)
  • ALLOWTOPICRENAME (in topic) overrides ALLOWWEBRENAME (in WebPreferences)
Changed:
<
<

Restricting Read Access

>
>

Restricting Web Access


Changed:
<
<
You can define restrictions of who is allowed to view a JCuckoo web.
>
>
You can prevent selected users and groups from accessing certain webs, by hiding them using restricting read access, or by requiring login. There are two basic methods, one simple, using standard preferences variables to hide a web, but offering low security, and a secure log-in approach that is currently a workaround, involving some minor script and filesystem modification.

Changed:
<
<
>
>

Create Hidden Webs

You can prevent selected users and groups from viewing certain JCuckoo webs by setting one or both of these variables in each web's WebPreferences topic:


    • Set DENYWEBVIEW = < list of users and groups >
    • Set ALLOWWEBVIEW = < list of users and groups >
Added:
>
>
  • If keeping a hidden web out of general use is a consideration, you should also prevent the "all webs" search option from accessing each hidden web, by enabling the NOSEARCHALL variable in WebPreferences:
    • Set NOSEARCHALL = on
    • It is not recommended to restrict view access to individual topics since all content is searchable within a web.
  • HELPThis method only works if the view script is authenticated, which means that all users have to login, even for read-only access. (An open guest account, like TWikiGuest, can get around this, allowing anyone to login with, for example, view-only access for public webs.) TWikiInstallationGuide has more on Basic Authentication, using the .htaccess file.
  • ALERT! Hiding webs is not very secure, as there is a way to circumvent the read access restriction. It can be useful in certain situations - for example, to simplify site organization and clutter, by hiding low traffic webs - but is not recommended for securing sensitive content.

Create Authenticated Access By Web


Changed:
<
<

Known Issues

>
>
To selectively restrict web access with the security of Basic Authentication, there is a reliable workaround that involves some straightforward code modification:
  1. Set aside the view script (rename) and create a view subdirectory in its place.
  2. In the view subdirectory, create a separate copy of a modified viewing script for each web, and create .htaccess settings for the restricted webs.
    • TIP You can use symbolic links to a single copy of the viewing script to make any script updates that much easier.

Changed:
<
<
  • The view restriction is not suitable for very sensitive content since there is a way to circumvent the read access restriction.
  • Read access restriction only works if the view script is authenticated, that means that users need to log on also just to read topics. TWikiInstallationGuide has more on Basic Authentication based on the .htaccess file.
>
>
Example of viewing script redirect
#!/usr/bin/perl -w
#

Changed:
<
<

Selective Unrestricted Web Access

>
>
chdir '..';

# Adjust SCRIPT and PATH_INFO variables to account for the changed directory my $web = $ENV{SCRIPT_NAME}; $web =~ s#^.*/view(/[^/]*).*$#$1#; # isolate the path element after "view" $ENV{PATH_TRANSLATED} =~ s#(/[^/]*)$#$web$1#; $ENV{PATH_INFO} =~ s#(/[^/]*)$#$web$1#; $ENV{SCRIPT_NAME} =~ s#/view$web#/view#; $ENV{SCRIPT_FILENAME} =~ s#/view$web#/view#;

# open (LOG, '>>/tmp/redirect.log'); # print LOG join ("\n", scalar localtime (time ()), %ENV); # close LOG; exec ('/usr/bin/perl', '-wT', 'view.orig') or

print <<EOF; Content-type: text/plain

Error executing /cgi-bin/view.orig: $? Click the BACK button in your browser and contact webmaster\@bcs-oops.org.

EOF

  • (Mod by ImmoHuneke? - 16 Mar 2002)

Changed:
<
<
  • There is a workaround if you prefer to have unrestricted access to view topics located in normal webs, and to authenticate users only for webs where view restriction is enabled:
>
>
A SECOND OPTION: A less reliable workaround that also requires code changes is available to provide the same unrestricted viewing access, with authentication required only on selected webs:

    1. Omit the view script from the .htaccess file.
Changed:
<
<
    1. Enable the $doRememberRemoteUser flag in lib/TWiki.cfg as described in TWikiUserAuthentication. JCuckoo will now remember the IP address of an authenticated user.
    2. Copy the view script to viewauth (or better, create a symbolic link)
    3. Add viewauth to the list of authenticated scripts in the .htaccess file.
>
>
  1. Enable the $doRememberRemoteUser flag in lib/TWiki.cfg as described in TWikiUserAuthentication. JCuckoo will now remember the IP address of an authenticated user. 1. Copy the view script to viewauth (or better, create a symbolic link) 1. Add viewauth to the list of authenticated scripts in the .htaccess file.

      • When a user accesses a web where you enabled view restriction, JCuckoo will redirect from the view script to the viewauth script once (this happens only if the user has never edited a topic). Doing so will ask for authentication. The viewauth script shows the requested topic if the user could log on and if the user is authorized to see that web.
      • If you enable view restriction for a web, it is recommended to restrict search "all webs" from searching this web. Enable this restriction with the NOSEARCHALL variable in its WebPreferences, like:
        • Set NOSEARCHALL = on
Line: 158 to 193

  • The default setting is not to have superusers.
Changed:
<
<
-- MikeMannix? - 02 Dec 2001
>
>
-- MikeMannix? - 20 Mar 2002

 <<O>>  Difference Topic TWikiAccessControl (r1.20 - 02 Dec 2001 - MikeMannix?)
Changed:
<
<
META TOPICINFO MikeMannix? date="1000616943" format="1.0" version="1.19"
>
>
META TOPICINFO MikeMannix? date="1007283720" format="1.0" version="1.20"

TOC: No TOC in "TWiki.TWikiAccessControl"
Line: 41 to 41

Managing Groups

Groups are defined by group topics in the Main web, like the TWikiAdminGroup. To start a new group:

Changed:
<
<
  1. Create a new topic with A name that ends in Group, SomeGroup
>
>
  1. Create a new topic with A name that ends in Group, SomeGroup

  1. Define two variables:
    • Set GROUP = < list of users and groups >
    • Set ALLOWTOPICCHANGE = < list of users and groups >
Changed:
<
<
    • GROUP is a comma-separated list of users and of other groups:
          * Set GROUP = Main.SomeUser, Main.OtherUser, Main.SomeOtherGroup
>
>
  • GROUP is a comma-separated list of users and of other groups:
        Set GROUP = Main.SomeUser, Main.OtherUser, Main.SomeOtherGroup

Changed:
<
<
    • ALLOWTOPICCHANGE defines who is allowed to change the group topic; it is a comma delimited list of users and groups. You typically want to restrict that to the members of the group itself, so it should contain the name of the topic,
          * Set ALLOWTOPICCHANGE = Main.TWikiAdminGroup
      for the TWikiAdminGroup topic. (This prevents users not in the group from editing the topic and from gaining unauthorized membership to the group.)
>
>
  • ALLOWTOPICCHANGE defines who is allowed to change the group topic; it is a comma delimited list of users and groups. You typically want to restrict that to the members of the group itself, so it should contain the name of the topic,
        Set ALLOWTOPICCHANGE = Main.TWikiAdminGroup
    for the TWikiAdminGroup topic. (This prevents users not in the group from editing the topic and from gaining unauthorized membership to the group.)

Restricting Write Access

Line: 135 to 137

        • Set NOSEARCHALL = on
      • It is not recommended to restrict view access to individual topics since all content is searchable within a web.
Added:
>
>

Hiding Control Settings

  • TIP To hide access control settings from normal browser viewing, place them in comment markers.
<!--
Set DENYTOPICCHANGE = Main.SomeGroup
-->

The SuperAdminGroup

Line: 147 to 158

  • The default setting is not to have superusers.
Changed:
<
<
-- PeterThoeny - 16 Mar 2001
-- AndreaSterbini? - 11 Apr 2001
>
>
-- MikeMannix? - 02 Dec 2001

 <<O>>  Difference Topic TWikiAccessControl (r1.19 - 16 Sep 2001 - MikeMannix?)
Changed:
<
<
META TOPICINFO PeterThoeny date="1000455102" format="1.0" version="1.18"
Note: Included topic UtilTempDocNote? does not exist yet
>
>
META TOPICINFO MikeMannix? date="1000616943" format="1.0" version="1.19"

TOC: No TOC in "TWiki.TWikiAccessControl"
Line: 142 to 140

By mistyping a user or group name in the ALLOWTOPICCHANGE setting, it's possible to lock a topic so that it no-one can edit it from a browser. To avoid this:

  • Set the $superAdminGroup variable in lib/TWiki.cfg to the name of a group of users that are always allowed to edit/view topics.
Changed:
<
<
>
>

$superAdminGroup = "TWikiAdminGroup";
  • The default setting is not to have superusers.
Changed:
<
<
-- PeterThoeny - 16 Mar 2001
-- AndreaSterbini? - 11 Apr 2001

Related topics: TWikiPreferences, WebPreferences (in every web), TWikiAdminGroup, TWikiGroups

>
>
-- PeterThoeny - 16 Mar 2001
-- AndreaSterbini? - 11 Apr 2001

 <<O>>  Difference Topic TWikiAccessControl (r1.18 - 14 Sep 2001 - PeterThoeny)
Changed:
<
<
META TOPICINFO MikeMannix? date="1000279941" format="1.0" version="1.17"
>
>
META TOPICINFO PeterThoeny date="1000455102" format="1.0" version="1.18"

Note: Included topic UtilTempDocNote? does not exist yet

TOC: No TOC in "TWiki.TWikiAccessControl"

Line: 10 to 10

Overview

Changed:
<
<
TWikiAccessControl allows you restrict access to single topics and entire webs, by individual user and by user groups, in three main areas: view; edit & attach; and rename/move/delete. These controls, combined with TWikiUserAuthentication, let you easily create and manage an extremely flexible, fine-grained privilege system.
>
>
TWikiAccessControl allows you restrict access to single topics and entire webs, by individual user and by user groups, in three main areas: view; edit & attach; and rename/move/delete. These controls, combined with TWikiUserAuthentication, let you easily create and manage an extremely flexible, fine-grained privilege system.

An Important Control Consideration

Changed:
<
<
Open, freeform editing is the essence of the WikiCulture - it's what makes TWiki different and often more effective than other collaboration tools. So, it is strongly recommended that decisions to restrict read or write access to a web or a topic are made with care. Experience shows that unrestricted write access works very well because:
>
>
Open, freeform editing is the essence of the WikiCulture - it's what makes TWiki different and often more effective than other collaboration tools. So, it is strongly recommended that decisions to restrict read or write access to a web or a topic are made with care. Experience shows that unrestricted write access works very well because:

  • Peer influence is enough to ensure that only relevant content is posted.

  • Peer editing - the ability to rearrange anything on a page - keeps topics focussed.

  • All content is preserved under revision control.
Changed:
<
<
>
>
    • Edits can be undone by the TWikiAdminGroup (the default administrators group; see #ManagingGroups).

    • Users are encouraged to edit and refactor (condense a long topic), since there's a safety net.

As a collaboration guideline:

Line: 35 to 35

Managing Users

Changed:
<
<
A user is created by with the TWikiRegistration form. The process generates a topic in the Main web in the new user's WikiName. The default visitor name is TWikiGuest.
>
>
A user is created by with the TWikiRegistration form. The process generates a topic in the Main web in the new user's WikiName. The default visitor name is TWikiGuest.

Changed:
<
<
  • Users can be authenticated using Basic Authentication or SSL. Authentication is required in order to track user identities.
>
>
  • Users can be authenticated using Basic Authentication or SSL. TWikiUserAuthentication is required in order to track user identities.

Managing Groups

Line: 123 to 123

Known Issues

  • The view restriction is not suitable for very sensitive content since there is a way to circumvent the read access restriction.
Changed:
<
<
  • Read access restriction only works if the view script is authenticated, that means that users need to log on also just to read topics. TWiki Installation Guide has more on Basic Authentication based on the .htaccess file.
>
>
  • Read access restriction only works if the view script is authenticated, that means that users need to log on also just to read topics. TWikiInstallationGuide has more on Basic Authentication based on the .htaccess file.

Selective Unrestricted Web Access

  • There is a workaround if you prefer to have unrestricted access to view topics located in normal webs, and to authenticate users only for webs where view restriction is enabled:
    1. Omit the view script from the .htaccess file.
Changed:
<
<
    1. Enable the $doRememberRemoteUser flag in lib/wikicfg.pm as described in User Authentication. JCuckoo will now remember the IP address of an authenticated user.
>
>
    1. Enable the $doRememberRemoteUser flag in lib/TWiki.cfg as described in TWikiUserAuthentication. JCuckoo will now remember the IP address of an authenticated user.

    1. Copy the view script to viewauth (or better, create a symbolic link)
    2. Add viewauth to the list of authenticated scripts in the .htaccess file.
      • When a user accesses a web where you enabled view restriction, JCuckoo will redirect from the view script to the viewauth script once (this happens only if the user has never edited a topic). Doing so will ask for authentication. The viewauth script shows the requested topic if the user could log on and if the user is authorized to see that web.

 <<O>>  Difference Topic TWikiAccessControl (r1.17 - 12 Sep 2001 - MikeMannix?)
Changed:
<
<
META TOPICINFO MikeMannix? date="999857173" format="1.0" version="1.16"
>
>
META TOPICINFO MikeMannix? date="1000279941" format="1.0" version="1.17"
Note: Included topic UtilTempDocNote? does not exist yet

TOC: No TOC in "TWiki.TWikiAccessControl"

 <<O>>  Difference Topic TWikiAccessControl (r1.16 - 07 Sep 2001 - MikeMannix?)
Changed:
<
<
META TOPICINFO MikeMannix? date="999848020" format="1.0" version="1.15"
>
>
META TOPICINFO MikeMannix? date="999857173" format="1.0" version="1.16"

TOC: No TOC in "TWiki.TWikiAccessControl"
Changed:
<
<

TWiki Access Control

>
>

TWiki Access Control


Restricting read and write access to topics and webs, by users and groups

Changed:
<
<

Overview

>
>

Overview


TWikiAccessControl allows you restrict access to single topics and entire webs, by individual user and by user groups, in three main areas: view; edit & attach; and rename/move/delete. These controls, combined with TWikiUserAuthentication, let you easily create and manage an extremely flexible, fine-grained privilege system.

Changed:
<
<

An Important Control Consideration

>
>

An Important Control Consideration


Open, freeform editing is the essence of the WikiCulture - it's what makes TWiki different and often more effective than other collaboration tools. So, it is strongly recommended that decisions to restrict read or write access to a web or a topic are made with care. Experience shows that unrestricted write access works very well because:

Line: 27 to 27

  • Create broad groups (more and varied input), and...
  • Avoid creating view-only users (if you can read it, you can contribute to it).
Changed:
<
<

Users and Groups

>
>

Users and Groups


Access control is based on users and groups. Users are defined by their WikiNames, an then organized into unlimited combinations under different user groups.

Changed:
<
<

Managing Users

>
>

Managing Users


A user is created by with the TWikiRegistration form. The process generates a topic in the Main web in the new user's WikiName. The default visitor name is TWikiGuest.

  • Users can be authenticated using Basic Authentication or SSL. Authentication is required in order to track user identities.

Changed:
<
<

Managing Groups

>
>

Managing Groups


Groups are defined by group topics in the Main web, like the TWikiAdminGroup. To start a new group:

  1. Create a new topic with A name that ends in Group, SomeGroup
Line: 51 to 51

    • ALLOWTOPICCHANGE defines who is allowed to change the group topic; it is a comma delimited list of users and groups. You typically want to restrict that to the members of the group itself, so it should contain the name of the topic,
          * Set ALLOWTOPICCHANGE = Main.TWikiAdminGroup
      for the TWikiAdminGroup topic. (This prevents users not in the group from editing the topic and from gaining unauthorized membership to the group.)
Changed:
<
<

Restricting Write Access

>
>

Restricting Write Access


You can define who is allowed to make changes to a web or a topic.

Changed:
<
<

Deny Editing by Topic

>
>

Deny Editing by Topic


Denying editing of a topic also restricts attaching files to it; both privileges are assigned together.

  • Define one or both of these variables in a topic, preferably at the end of the page:
Line: 68 to 68

  • DENYTOPICCHANGE is evaluated before ALLOWTOPICCHANGE. Access is denied if the authenticated person is in the DENYTOPICCHANGE list, or not in the ALLOWTOPICCHANGE list. Access is granted in case DENYTOPICCHANGE and ALLOWTOPICCHANGE is not defined.
Changed:
<
<

Deny Editing by Web

>
>

Deny Editing by Web


Restricting web-level editing blocks creating new topics, changing topics or attaching files.

Line: 80 to 80

  • DENYTOPICCHANGE (in topic) overrides DENYWEBCHANGE (in WebPreferences)
  • ALLOWTOPICCHANGE (in topic) overrides ALLOWWEBCHANGE (in WebPreferences)
Changed:
<
<

Restricting Rename Access

>
>

Restricting Rename Access


You can define who is allowed to rename, move or delete a topic, or rename a web.

Changed:
<
<

Deny Renaming by Topic

>
>

Deny Renaming by Topic


To allow a user to rename, move or delete a topic, they also need write (editing) permission. They also need write access to change references in referring topics.

Line: 98 to 98

  • DENYTOPICRENAME is evaluated before ALLOWTOPICRENAME. Access is denied if the authenticated person is in the DENYTOPICRENAME list, or not in the ALLOWTOPICRENAME list. Access is granted in case DENYTOPICRENAME and ALLOWTOPICRENAME is not defined.
Changed:
<
<

Deny Renaming by Web

>
>

Deny Renaming by Web


You can define restrictions of who is allowed to rename a JCuckoo web.

Line: 110 to 110

  • DENYTOPICRENAME (in topic) overrides DENYWEBRENAME (in WebPreferences)
  • ALLOWTOPICRENAME (in topic) overrides ALLOWWEBRENAME (in WebPreferences)
Changed:
<
<

Restricting Read Access

>
>

Restricting Read Access


You can define restrictions of who is allowed to view a JCuckoo web.

Line: 118 to 118

    • Set DENYWEBVIEW = < list of users and groups >
    • Set ALLOWWEBVIEW = < list of users and groups >
Changed:
<
<

Known Issues

>
>

Known Issues


  • The view restriction is not suitable for very sensitive content since there is a way to circumvent the read access restriction.
  • Read access restriction only works if the view script is authenticated, that means that users need to log on also just to read topics. TWiki Installation Guide has more on Basic Authentication based on the .htaccess file.
Changed:
<
<
Selective Unrestricted Web Access
>
>

Selective Unrestricted Web Access


  • There is a workaround if you prefer to have unrestricted access to view topics located in normal webs, and to authenticate users only for webs where view restriction is enabled:
    1. Omit the view script from the .htaccess file.
Line: 136 to 136

      • It is not recommended to restrict view access to individual topics since all content is searchable within a web.

Changed:
<
<

The SuperAdminGroup

>
>

The SuperAdminGroup


By mistyping a user or group name in the ALLOWTOPICCHANGE setting, it's possible to lock a topic so that it no-one can edit it from a browser. To avoid this:

  • Set the $superAdminGroup variable in lib/TWiki.cfg to the name of a group of users that are always allowed to edit/view topics.

 <<O>>  Difference Topic TWikiAccessControl (r1.15 - 07 Sep 2001 - MikeMannix?)
Changed:
<
<
META TOPICINFO MikeMannix? date="999674195" format="1.0" version="1.14"
>
>
META TOPICINFO MikeMannix? date="999848020" format="1.0" version="1.15"

TOC: No TOC in "TWiki.TWikiAccessControl"
Line: 8 to 8

Overview

Changed:
<
<
JCuckoo allows you to define restrictions of who is allowed to view a JCuckoo web, make changes to topics or attach files.
>
>
TWikiAccessControl allows you restrict access to single topics and entire webs, by individual user and by user groups, in three main areas: view; edit & attach; and rename/move/delete. These controls, combined with TWikiUserAuthentication, let you easily create and manage an extremely flexible, fine-grained privilege system.

An Important Control Consideration

Open, freeform editing is the essence of the WikiCulture - it's what makes TWiki different and often more effective than other collaboration tools. So, it is strongly recommended that decisions to restrict read or write access to a web or a topic are made with care. Experience shows that unrestricted write access works very well because:


Deleted:
<
<
IMPORTANT NOTE: Think twice before restricting read or write access to a web or a topic, because an open system where everybody can contribute is the essence of the WikiCulture. Experience shows that unrestricted write access works very well because:

  • Peer influence is enough to ensure that only relevant content is posted.
Changed:
<
<
  • Peer editing - edit anything on a page - keeps topics focussed.
>
>

  • Peer editing - the ability to rearrange anything on a page - keeps topics focussed.

  • All content is preserved under revision control.
Changed:
<
<
    • Editing and refactoring (condensing a long topic) is encouraged (there's a safety net).
>
>
    • Users are encouraged to edit and refactor (condense a long topic), since there's a safety net.

As a collaboration guideline:

  • Create broad groups (more and varied input), and...
  • Avoid creating view-only users (if you can read it, you can contribute to it).

Users and Groups

Changed:
<
<
Access control is based on users and groups.
>
>
Access control is based on users and groups. Users are defined by their WikiNames, an then organized into unlimited combinations under different user groups.

Managing Users

Changed:
<
<
A user is created by with the TWikiRegistration form. The process generates a topic in the Main web in the new user's WikiName. The default visitor name is TWikiGuest.
>
>
A user is created by with the TWikiRegistration form. The process generates a topic in the Main web in the new user's WikiName. The default visitor name is TWikiGuest.

  • Users can be authenticated using Basic Authentication or SSL. Authentication is required in order to track user identities.

Managing Groups

Changed:
<
<
Groups are defined by group topics in the Main web, like the TWikiAdminGroup.
  • A group topic name must end in _Group
  • The group topic should define these two variables:
>
>
Groups are defined by group topics in the Main web, like the TWikiAdminGroup. To start a new group:
  1. Create a new topic with A name that ends in Group, SomeGroup
  2. Define two variables:

    • Set GROUP = < list of users and groups >
    • Set ALLOWTOPICCHANGE = < list of users and groups >
Changed:
<
<
  • GROUP defines the members of the group; it is a comma delimited list of users and other groups. Example:
        * Set GROUP = Main.SomeUser, Main.OtherUser, Main.SomeOtherGroup
  • ALLOWTOPICCHANGE defines who is allowed to change the group topic; it is a comma delimited list of users and groups. You typically want to restrict that to the members of the group itself, so it should contain the name of the topic, i.e.
        * Set ALLOWTOPICCHANGE = Main.TWikiAdminGroup
    for the TWikiAdminGroup topic. (This is to prevent users not in the group from editing the topic and gaining unauthorized membership to the group.)
>
>

    • GROUP is a comma-separated list of users and of other groups:
          * Set GROUP = Main.SomeUser, Main.OtherUser, Main.SomeOtherGroup

    • ALLOWTOPICCHANGE defines who is allowed to change the group topic; it is a comma delimited list of users and groups. You typically want to restrict that to the members of the group itself, so it should contain the name of the topic,
          * Set ALLOWTOPICCHANGE = Main.TWikiAdminGroup
      for the TWikiAdminGroup topic. (This prevents users not in the group from editing the topic and from gaining unauthorized membership to the group.)

Restricting Write Access

Changed:
<
<

Deny Editing by Topic

>
>
You can define who is allowed to make changes to a web or a topic.

Changed:
<
<
You can define restrictions of who is allowed to make changes to a topic or attach files to it.
>
>

Deny Editing by Topic


Changed:
<
<
Define one or both of these variables in a topic, preferably at the end of the topic:
>
>
Denying editing of a topic also restricts attaching files to it; both privileges are assigned together.
  • Define one or both of these variables in a topic, preferably at the end of the page:

  • Set DENYTOPICCHANGE = < list of users and groups >
  • Set ALLOWTOPICCHANGE = < list of users and groups >
Changed:
<
<
DENYTOPICCHANGE defines users or groups that are not allowed to make changes to the topic. It is a comma delimited list of users and groups. Example:
    * Set DENYTOPICCHANGE = Main.SomeBadBoy, Main.SomeBadGirl, Main.SomeHackerGroup
>
>
  • DENYTOPICCHANGE defines users or groups that are not allowed to make changes to the topic. It is a comma delimited list of users and groups. Example:
        * Set DENYTOPICCHANGE = Main.SomeBadBoy, Main.SomeBadGirl, Main.SomeHackerGroup

Changed:
<
<
ALLOWTOPICCHANGE defines users or groups that are allowed to make changes to the topic. It is a comma delimited list of users and groups. Example:
    * Set ALLOWTOPICCHANGE = Main.SomeGoodGuy, Main.SomeGoodGirl, Main.TWikiAdminGroup
>
>
  • ALLOWTOPICCHANGE defines users or groups that are allowed to make changes to the topic. It is a comma delimited list of users and groups. Example:
        * Set ALLOWTOPICCHANGE = Main.SomeGoodGuy, Main.SomeGoodGirl, Main.TWikiAdminGroup

Changed:
<
<
DENYTOPICCHANGE is evaluated before ALLOWTOPICCHANGE. Access is denied if the authenticated person is in the DENYTOPICCHANGE list, or not in the ALLOWTOPICCHANGE list. Access is granted in case DENYTOPICCHANGE and ALLOWTOPICCHANGE is not defined.
>
>
  • DENYTOPICCHANGE is evaluated before ALLOWTOPICCHANGE. Access is denied if the authenticated person is in the DENYTOPICCHANGE list, or not in the ALLOWTOPICCHANGE list. Access is granted in case DENYTOPICCHANGE and ALLOWTOPICCHANGE is not defined.

Deny Editing by Web

Changed:
<
<
You can define restrictions of who is allowed to make changes to a JCuckoo web. This includes creating new topics, changing topics or attaching files.
>
>
Restricting web-level editing blocks creating new topics, changing topics or attaching files.

Changed:
<
<
Define one or both of these variable in the WebPreferences topic:
>
>

  • Set DENYWEBCHANGE = < list of users and groups >
  • Set ALLOWWEBCHANGE = < list of users and groups >
Changed:
<
<
The same rules apply like the one for Access Control for Individual Topics; with these additions:
>
>
The same rules apply as for restricting topics, with these additions:

  • DENYTOPICCHANGE (in topic) overrides DENYWEBCHANGE (in WebPreferences)
  • ALLOWTOPICCHANGE (in topic) overrides ALLOWWEBCHANGE (in WebPreferences)

Restricting Rename Access

Changed:
<
<
>
>
You can define who is allowed to rename, move or delete a topic, or rename a web.

Deny Renaming by Topic

Changed:
<
<
You can define restrictions of who is allowed to rename a topic. Note that users need this permission in addition to the CHANGE permission in order to rename a topic. They also need CHANGE access to change references in referring topics.
>
>
To allow a user to rename, move or delete a topic, they also need write (editing) permission. They also need write access to change references in referring topics.

Changed:
<
<
Define one or both of these variables in a topic, preferably at the end of the topic:
>
>
  • Define one or both of these variables in a topic, preferably at the end of the topic:

  • Set DENYTOPICRENAME = < list of users and groups >
  • Set ALLOWTOPICRENAME = < list of users and groups >
Changed:
<
<
DENYTOPICCRENAME defines users or groups that are not allowed to rename the topic. It is a comma delimited list of users and groups. Example:
    * Set DENYTOPICRENAME = Main.SomeBadBoy, Main.SomeBadGirl, Main.SomeHackerGroup
>
>
  • DENYTOPICCRENAME defines users or groups that are not allowed to rename the topic. It is a comma delimited list of users and groups. Example:
        * Set DENYTOPICRENAME = Main.SomeBadBoy, Main.SomeBadGirl, Main.SomeHackerGroup

Changed:
<
<
ALLOWTOPICRENAME defines users or groups that are allowed to rename the topic. It is a comma delimited list of users and groups. Example:
    * Set ALLOWTOPICRENAME = Main.SomeGoodGuy, Main.SomeGoodGirl, Main.TWikiAdminGroup
>
>
  • ALLOWTOPICRENAME defines users or groups that are allowed to rename the topic. It is a comma delimited list of users and groups. Example:
        * Set ALLOWTOPICRENAME = Main.SomeGoodGuy, Main.SomeGoodGirl, Main.TWikiAdminGroup

Changed:
<
<
DENYTOPICRENAME is evaluated before ALLOWTOPICRENAME. Access is denied if the authenticated person is in the DENYTOPICRENAME list, or not in the ALLOWTOPICRENAME list. Access is granted in case DENYTOPICRENAME and ALLOWTOPICRENAME is not defined.
>
>
  • DENYTOPICRENAME is evaluated before ALLOWTOPICRENAME. Access is denied if the authenticated person is in the DENYTOPICRENAME list, or not in the ALLOWTOPICRENAME list. Access is granted in case DENYTOPICRENAME and ALLOWTOPICRENAME is not defined.

Deny Renaming by Web

Changed:
<
<
You can define restrictions of who is allowed to do renames for a JCuckoo web.
>
>
You can define restrictions of who is allowed to rename a JCuckoo web.

Changed:
<
<
Define one or both of these variable in the WebPreferences topic:
>
>

  • Set DENYWEBRENAME = < list of users and groups >
  • Set ALLOWWEBRENAME = < list of users and groups >
Changed:
<
<
The same rules apply like the one for Access Control for Individual Topics; with these additions:
>
>
The same rules apply as for topics, with these additions:

  • DENYTOPICRENAME (in topic) overrides DENYWEBRENAME (in WebPreferences)
  • ALLOWTOPICRENAME (in topic) overrides ALLOWWEBRENAME (in WebPreferences)
Line: 101 to 114

You can define restrictions of who is allowed to view a JCuckoo web.

Changed:
<
<
Define one or both of these variable in the WebPreferences topic:
>
>

  • Set DENYWEBVIEW = < list of users and groups >
  • Set ALLOWWEBVIEW = < list of users and groups >
Line: 113 to 126

Selective Unrestricted Web Access

  • There is a workaround if you prefer to have unrestricted access to view topics located in normal webs, and to authenticate users only for webs where view restriction is enabled:
Changed:
<
<
    • Leave the view script non-authenticated in the .htaccess file.
    • Enable the $doRememberRemoteUser flag in lib/wikicfg.pm as described in User Authentication. JCuckoo will now remember the IP address of an authenticated user.
    • Copy the view script to viewauth (or better, create a symbolic link)
    • Add viewauth to the list of authenticated scripts in the .htaccess file.
>
>
    1. Omit the view script from the .htaccess file.
    2. Enable the $doRememberRemoteUser flag in lib/wikicfg.pm as described in User Authentication. JCuckoo will now remember the IP address of an authenticated user.
    3. Copy the view script to viewauth (or better, create a symbolic link)
    4. Add viewauth to the list of authenticated scripts in the .htaccess file.

    • When a user accesses a web where you enabled view restriction, JCuckoo will redirect from the view script to the viewauth script once (this happens only if the user has never edited a topic). Doing so will ask for authentication. The viewauth script shows the requested topic if the user could log on and if the user is authorized to see that web.
  • If you enable view restriction for a web, it is recommended to restrict search "all webs" from searching this web. Enable this restriction with the NOSEARCHALL variable in its WebPreferences, like:
    • Set NOSEARCHALL = on
Line: 125 to 138

The SuperAdminGroup

Changed:
<
<
The above schema can lock completely a topic in case of a typing error of the ALLOWTOPICCHANGE setting (see UnchangeableTopicBug for more detail). To avoid this:
  • Set the $superAdminGroup variable in lib/TWiki.cfg to the name of a group of users that are always allowed to edit/view topics.
>
>
By mistyping a user or group name in the ALLOWTOPICCHANGE setting, it's possible to lock a topic so that it no-one can edit it from a browser. To avoid this:
  • Set the $superAdminGroup variable in lib/TWiki.cfg to the name of a group of users that are always allowed to edit/view topics.

$superAdminGroup = "TWikiAdminGroup";
Added:
>
>

  • The default setting is not to have superusers.

-- PeterThoeny - 16 Mar 2001


 <<O>>  Difference Topic TWikiAccessControl (r1.14 - 05 Sep 2001 - MikeMannix?)
Changed:
<
<
META TOPICINFO MikeMannix? date="999580216" format="1.0" version="1.13"
>
>
META TOPICINFO MikeMannix? date="999674195" format="1.0" version="1.14"

TOC: No TOC in "TWiki.TWikiAccessControl"
Line: 122 to 122

    • Set NOSEARCHALL = on
  • It is not recommended to restrict view access to individual topics since all content is searchable within a web.
Added:
>
>

The SuperAdminGroup

The above schema can lock completely a topic in case of a typing error of the ALLOWTOPICCHANGE setting (see UnchangeableTopicBug for more detail). To avoid this:


 <<O>>  Difference Topic TWikiAccessControl (r1.13 - 04 Sep 2001 - MikeMannix?)
Changed:
<
<
META TOPICINFO MikeMannix? date="999260330" format="1.0" version="1.12"
>
>
META TOPICINFO MikeMannix? date="999580216" format="1.0" version="1.13"

TWiki Access Control

Added:
>
>
Restricting read and write access to topics and webs, by users and groups

Overview


JCuckoo allows you to define restrictions of who is allowed to view a JCuckoo web, make changes to topics or attach files.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Think twice before restricting read or write access to a web or a topic, because an open system where everybody can contribute is the essence of the WikiCulture. Experience shows that unrestricted write access works very well because:

Changed:
<
<
  • There is enough peer pressure to post only conform content.
  • Content does not get lost because topics are under revision control.
  • A topic revision can be undone by a member of the TWikiAdminGroup in case needed.
>
>
  • Peer influence is enough to ensure that only relevant content is posted.
  • Peer editing - edit anything on a page - keeps topics focussed.
  • All content is preserved under revision control.
    • Edits can be undone by the TWikiAdminGroup (the default administrators group; see Managing Groups).
    • Editing and refactoring (condensing a long topic) is encouraged (there's a safety net).

Users and Groups

Access control is based on users and groups.

Changed:
<
<
Users are defined by the user topics in the Main web, i.e. TWikiGuest
  • Users can be authenticated using basic authentication or SSL. Installation Notes has more.
>
>

Managing Users

A user is created by with the TWikiRegistration form. The process generates a topic in the Main web in the new user's WikiName. The default visitor name is TWikiGuest.

Managing Groups


Changed:
<
<
Groups are defined by group topics in the Main web, i.e. TWikiAdminGroup
  • A group topic name must end in ...Group
>
>
Groups are defined by group topics in the Main web, like the TWikiAdminGroup.
  • A group topic name must end in _Group

  • The group topic should define these two variables:
Added:
>
>

    • Set GROUP = < list of users and groups >
    • Set ALLOWTOPICCHANGE = < list of users and groups >
Changed:
<
<
  • GROUP defines the members of the group; it is a comma delimited list of users and other groups. Example:
        * Set GROUP = Main.SomeUser, Main.OtherUser, Main.SomeOtherGroup
>
>
  • GROUP defines the members of the group; it is a comma delimited list of users and other groups. Example:
        * Set GROUP = Main.SomeUser, Main.OtherUser, Main.SomeOtherGroup

  • ALLOWTOPICCHANGE defines who is allowed to change the group topic; it is a comma delimited list of users and groups. You typically want to restrict that to the members of the group itself, so it should contain the name of the topic, i.e.
        * Set ALLOWTOPICCHANGE = Main.TWikiAdminGroup
    for the TWikiAdminGroup topic. (This is to prevent users not in the group from editing the topic and gaining unauthorized membership to the group.)
Added:
>
>

Restricting Write Access


Changed:
<
<

Write Access Restriction by Topic

>
>

Deny Editing by Topic


You can define restrictions of who is allowed to make changes to a topic or attach files to it.

Line: 42 to 55

DENYTOPICCHANGE is evaluated before ALLOWTOPICCHANGE. Access is denied if the authenticated person is in the DENYTOPICCHANGE list, or not in the ALLOWTOPICCHANGE list. Access is granted in case DENYTOPICCHANGE and ALLOWTOPICCHANGE is not defined.

Changed:
<
<

Write Access Restriction by Web

>
>

Deny Editing by Web


You can define restrictions of who is allowed to make changes to a JCuckoo web. This includes creating new topics, changing topics or attaching files.

Line: 54 to 67

  • DENYTOPICCHANGE (in topic) overrides DENYWEBCHANGE (in WebPreferences)
  • ALLOWTOPICCHANGE (in topic) overrides ALLOWWEBCHANGE (in WebPreferences)
Changed:
<
<

Rename Access Restriction by Topic

>
>

Restricting Rename Access

Deny Renaming by Topic


You can define restrictions of who is allowed to rename a topic. Note that users need this permission in addition to the CHANGE permission in order to rename a topic. They also need CHANGE access to change references in referring topics.

Line: 68 to 85

DENYTOPICRENAME is evaluated before ALLOWTOPICRENAME. Access is denied if the authenticated person is in the DENYTOPICRENAME list, or not in the ALLOWTOPICRENAME list. Access is granted in case DENYTOPICRENAME and ALLOWTOPICRENAME is not defined.

Changed:
<
<

Rename Access Restriction by Web

>
>

Deny Renaming by Web


You can define restrictions of who is allowed to do renames for a JCuckoo web.

Line: 80 to 97

  • DENYTOPICRENAME (in topic) overrides DENYWEBRENAME (in WebPreferences)
  • ALLOWTOPICRENAME (in topic) overrides ALLOWWEBRENAME (in WebPreferences)
Changed:
<
<

Read Access Restriction by Web

>
>

Restricting Read Access


You can define restrictions of who is allowed to view a JCuckoo web.

Line: 88 to 105

  • Set DENYWEBVIEW = < list of users and groups >
  • Set ALLOWWEBVIEW = < list of users and groups >
Changed:
<
<

Read Restriction Known Issues

>
>

Known Issues


  • The view restriction is not suitable for very sensitive content since there is a way to circumvent the read access restriction.
Changed:
<
<
  • Read access restriction only works if the view script is authenticated, that means that users need to log on also just to read topics. TWiki Installation has more on basic authentication based on the .htaccess file.
>
>
  • Read access restriction only works if the view script is authenticated, that means that users need to log on also just to read topics. TWiki Installation Guide has more on Basic Authentication based on the .htaccess file.

Selective Unrestricted Web Access

  • There is a workaround if you prefer to have unrestricted access to view topics located in normal webs, and to authenticate users only for webs where view restriction is enabled:
Changed:
<
<
    • Leave the view script non authenticated in the .htaccess file.
    • Enable the $doRememberRemoteUser flag in wikicfg.pm as described in TWiki Authentication. JCuckoo will now remember the IP address of an authenticated user.
    • Copy the view script to viewauth (or better, create a symbolic link)
    • Add viewauth to the list of authenticated scripts in the .htaccess file.
>
>
    • Leave the view script non-authenticated in the .htaccess file.
    • Enable the $doRememberRemoteUser flag in lib/wikicfg.pm as described in User Authentication. JCuckoo will now remember the IP address of an authenticated user.
    • Copy the view script to viewauth (or better, create a symbolic link)
    • Add viewauth to the list of authenticated scripts in the .htaccess file.

    • When a user accesses a web where you enabled view restriction, JCuckoo will redirect from the view script to the viewauth script once (this happens only if the user has never edited a topic). Doing so will ask for authentication. The viewauth script shows the requested topic if the user could log on and if the user is authorized to see that web.
Changed:
<
<
  • If you enable view restriction for a web, it is recommended to restrict search "all webs" from searching this web. Enable this restriction with the NOSEARCHALL variable in its WebPreferences, like:
>
>
  • If you enable view restriction for a web, it is recommended to restrict search "all webs" from searching this web. Enable this restriction with the NOSEARCHALL variable in its WebPreferences, like:

    • Set NOSEARCHALL = on
Changed:
<
<
  • It is not recommended to restrict view access to individual topics since all content is searchable within a web.
>
>
  • It is not recommended to restrict view access to individual topics since all content is searchable within a web.

The SuperAdminGroup

Changed:
<
<
The above schema can lock completely a topic in case of a typing error of the ALLOWTOPICCHANGE setting (see UnchangeableTopicBug). To avoid this:
  • set the $superAdminGroup variable in TWiki.cfg to the name of a group of users that are always allowed to edit/view topics. E.g.:


>
>
The above schema can lock completely a topic in case of a typing error of the ALLOWTOPICCHANGE setting (see UnchangeableTopicBug for more detail). To avoid this:
  • Set the $superAdminGroup variable in lib/TWiki.cfg to the name of a group of users that are always allowed to edit/view topics.


$superAdminGroup = "TWikiAdminGroup";
Changed:
<
<
  • the default setting is not to have superusers
>
>
  • The default setting is not to have superusers.

-- PeterThoeny - 16 Mar 2001
-- AndreaSterbini? - 11 Apr 2001


 <<O>>  Difference Topic TWikiAccessControl (r1.12 - 31 Aug 2001 - MikeMannix?)
Changed:
<
<
META TOPICINFO MikeMannix? date="999209840" format="1.0" version="1.11"
>
>
META TOPICINFO MikeMannix? date="999260330" format="1.0" version="1.12"

TOC: No TOC in "TWiki.TWikiAccessControl"
Line: 88 to 88

  • Set DENYWEBVIEW = < list of users and groups >
  • Set ALLOWWEBVIEW = < list of users and groups >
Changed:
<
<

Read Access Restriction Notes

>
>

Read Restriction Known Issues


  • The view restriction is not suitable for very sensitive content since there is a way to circumvent the read access restriction.
  • Read access restriction only works if the view script is authenticated, that means that users need to log on also just to read topics. TWiki Installation has more on basic authentication based on the .htaccess file.
Changed:
<
<
  • There is a workaround if you prefer to to have unrestricted access to view topics located in normal webs, and to authenticate users only for webs where view restriction is enabled:
>
>
  • There is a workaround if you prefer to have unrestricted access to view topics located in normal webs, and to authenticate users only for webs where view restriction is enabled:

    • Leave the view script non authenticated in the .htaccess file.
    • Enable the $doRememberRemoteUser flag in wikicfg.pm as described in TWiki Authentication. JCuckoo will now remember the IP address of an authenticated user.
    • Copy the view script to viewauth (or better, create a symbolic link)
    • Add viewauth to the list of authenticated scripts in the .htaccess file.
Changed:
<
<
    • When a user accesses a web where you enabled view restriction, JCuckoo will redirect from the view script to the viewauth script once (this hapens only if the user has never edited a topic). Doing so will ask for authentication. The viewauth script shows the requested topic if the user could log on and if the user is authorized to see that web.
>
>
    • When a user accesses a web where you enabled view restriction, JCuckoo will redirect from the view script to the viewauth script once (this happens only if the user has never edited a topic). Doing so will ask for authentication. The viewauth script shows the requested topic if the user could log on and if the user is authorized to see that web.

  • If you enable view restriction for a web, it is recommended to restrict search "all webs" from searching this web. Enable this restriction with the NOSEARCHALL variable in its WebPreferences, like:
    • Set NOSEARCHALL = on
  • It is not recommended to restrict view access to individual topics since all content is searchable within a web.
Deleted:
<
<
  • The view restriction is not suitable for very sensitive content since there is a way to circumvent the read access restriction.

Changed:
<
<

The SuperAdminGroup?

>
>

The SuperAdminGroup


The above schema can lock completely a topic in case of a typing error of the ALLOWTOPICCHANGE setting (see UnchangeableTopicBug). To avoid this:

  • set the $superAdminGroup variable in TWiki.cfg to the name of a group of users that are always allowed to edit/view topics. E.g.:

 <<O>>  Difference Topic TWikiAccessControl (r1.11 - 30 Aug 2001 - MikeMannix?)
Changed:
<
<
META TOPICINFO MikeMannix? date="999078876" format="1.0" version="1.10"
>
>
META TOPICINFO MikeMannix? date="999209840" format="1.0" version="1.11"
TOC: No TOC in "TWiki.TWikiAccessControl"

TWiki Access Control

JCuckoo allows you to define restrictions of who is allowed to view a JCuckoo web, make changes to topics or attach files.

Line: 25 to 28

  • ALLOWTOPICCHANGE defines who is allowed to change the group topic; it is a comma delimited list of users and groups. You typically want to restrict that to the members of the group itself, so it should contain the name of the topic, i.e.
        * Set ALLOWTOPICCHANGE = Main.TWikiAdminGroup
    for the TWikiAdminGroup topic. (This is to prevent users not in the group from editing the topic and gaining unauthorized membership to the group.)
Changed:
<
<

Write Access Restriction for Individual Topics

>
>

Write Access Restriction by Topic


You can define restrictions of who is allowed to make changes to a topic or attach files to it.

Line: 39 to 42

DENYTOPICCHANGE is evaluated before ALLOWTOPICCHANGE. Access is denied if the authenticated person is in the DENYTOPICCHANGE list, or not in the ALLOWTOPICCHANGE list. Access is granted in case DENYTOPICCHANGE and ALLOWTOPICCHANGE is not defined.

Changed:
<
<

Write Access Restriction for a Whole JCuckoo Web

>
>

Write Access Restriction by Web


You can define restrictions of who is allowed to make changes to a JCuckoo web. This includes creating new topics, changing topics or attaching files.

Line: 51 to 54

  • DENYTOPICCHANGE (in topic) overrides DENYWEBCHANGE (in WebPreferences)
  • ALLOWTOPICCHANGE (in topic) overrides ALLOWWEBCHANGE (in WebPreferences)
Changed:
<
<

Rename Access Restriction for Individual Topics

>
>

Rename Access Restriction by Topic


You can define restrictions of who is allowed to rename a topic. Note that users need this permission in addition to the CHANGE permission in order to rename a topic. They also need CHANGE access to change references in referring topics.

Line: 65 to 68

DENYTOPICRENAME is evaluated before ALLOWTOPICRENAME. Access is denied if the authenticated person is in the DENYTOPICRENAME list, or not in the ALLOWTOPICRENAME list. Access is granted in case DENYTOPICRENAME and ALLOWTOPICRENAME is not defined.

Changed:
<
<

Rename Access Restriction for a Whole JCuckoo Web

>
>

Rename Access Restriction by Web


You can define restrictions of who is allowed to do renames for a JCuckoo web.

Line: 77 to 80

  • DENYTOPICRENAME (in topic) overrides DENYWEBRENAME (in WebPreferences)
  • ALLOWTOPICRENAME (in topic) overrides ALLOWWEBRENAME (in WebPreferences)
Changed:
<
<

Read Access Restriction for a Whole JCuckoo Web

>
>

Read Access Restriction by Web


You can define restrictions of who is allowed to view a JCuckoo web.

Line: 85 to 88

  • Set DENYWEBVIEW = < list of users and groups >
  • Set ALLOWWEBVIEW = < list of users and groups >
Changed:
<
<
Notes for read access restriction:
>
>

Read Access Restriction Notes


  • The view restriction is not suitable for very sensitive content since there is a way to circumvent the read access restriction.
  • Read access restriction only works if the view script is authenticated, that means that users need to log on also just to read topics. TWiki Installation has more on basic authentication based on the .htaccess file.
  • There is a workaround if you prefer to to have unrestricted access to view topics located in normal webs, and to authenticate users only for webs where view restriction is enabled:
Line: 99 to 103

  • It is not recommended to restrict view access to individual topics since all content is searchable within a web.
  • The view restriction is not suitable for very sensitive content since there is a way to circumvent the read access restriction.
Deleted:
<
<
-- PeterThoeny - 16 Mar 2001

Changed:
<
<
NOTE:
>
>

The SuperAdminGroup?


The above schema can lock completely a topic in case of a typing error of the ALLOWTOPICCHANGE setting (see UnchangeableTopicBug). To avoid this:

  • set the $superAdminGroup variable in TWiki.cfg to the name of a group of users that are always allowed to edit/view topics. E.g.:
Line: 110 to 113

  • the default setting is not to have superusers
Added:
>
>
-- PeterThoeny - 16 Mar 2001

-- AndreaSterbini? - 11 Apr 2001
Changed:
<
<
>
>

Related topics: TWikiPreferences, WebPreferences (in every web), TWikiAdminGroup, TWikiGroups

 <<O>>  Difference Topic TWikiAccessControl (r1.10 - 29 Aug 2001 - MikeMannix?)
Changed:
<
<
META TOPICINFO JohnTalintyre? date="997199070" format="1.0beta2" version="1.9"
>
>
META TOPICINFO MikeMannix? date="999078876" format="1.0" version="1.10"

TWiki Access Control

JCuckoo allows you to define restrictions of who is allowed to view a JCuckoo web, make changes to topics or attach files.

Line: 99 to 99

  • It is not recommended to restrict view access to individual topics since all content is searchable within a web.
  • The view restriction is not suitable for very sensitive content since there is a way to circumvent the read access restriction.
Added:
>
>
-- PeterThoeny - 16 Mar 2001

Changed:
<
<
Related topics: TWikiPreferences, WebPreferences (in every web), TWikiAdminGroup, TWikiGroups
>
>
NOTE:

Changed:
<
<
-- PeterThoeny - 16 Mar 2001
>
>
The above schema can lock completely a topic in case of a typing error of the ALLOWTOPICCHANGE setting (see UnchangeableTopicBug). To avoid this:
  • set the $superAdminGroup variable in TWiki.cfg to the name of a group of users that are always allowed to edit/view topics. E.g.:
$superAdminGroup = "TWikiAdminGroup";
  • the default setting is not to have superusers

-- AndreaSterbini? - 11 Apr 2001

Related topics: TWikiPreferences, WebPreferences (in every web), TWikiAdminGroup, TWikiGroups


 <<O>>  Difference Topic TWikiAccessControl (r1.9 - 07 Aug 2001 - JohnTalintyre?)
Added:
>
>
META TOPICINFO JohnTalintyre? date="997199070" format="1.0beta2" version="1.9"

TWiki Access Control

JCuckoo allows you to define restrictions of who is allowed to view a JCuckoo web, make changes to topics or attach files.

Line: 50 to 51

  • DENYTOPICCHANGE (in topic) overrides DENYWEBCHANGE (in WebPreferences)
  • ALLOWTOPICCHANGE (in topic) overrides ALLOWWEBCHANGE (in WebPreferences)
Added:
>
>

Rename Access Restriction for Individual Topics

You can define restrictions of who is allowed to rename a topic. Note that users need this permission in addition to the CHANGE permission in order to rename a topic. They also need CHANGE access to change references in referring topics.

Define one or both of these variables in a topic, preferably at the end of the topic:

  • Set DENYTOPICRENAME = < list of users and groups >
  • Set ALLOWTOPICRENAME = < list of users and groups >

DENYTOPICCRENAME defines users or groups that are not allowed to rename the topic. It is a comma delimited list of users and groups. Example:
    * Set DENYTOPICRENAME = Main.SomeBadBoy, Main.SomeBadGirl, Main.SomeHackerGroup

ALLOWTOPICRENAME defines users or groups that are allowed to rename the topic. It is a comma delimited list of users and groups. Example:
    * Set ALLOWTOPICRENAME = Main.SomeGoodGuy, Main.SomeGoodGirl, Main.TWikiAdminGroup

DENYTOPICRENAME is evaluated before ALLOWTOPICRENAME. Access is denied if the authenticated person is in the DENYTOPICRENAME list, or not in the ALLOWTOPICRENAME list. Access is granted in case DENYTOPICRENAME and ALLOWTOPICRENAME is not defined.

Rename Access Restriction for a Whole JCuckoo Web

You can define restrictions of who is allowed to do renames for a JCuckoo web.

Define one or both of these variable in the WebPreferences topic:

  • Set DENYWEBRENAME = < list of users and groups >
  • Set ALLOWWEBRENAME = < list of users and groups >

The same rules apply like the one for Access Control for Individual Topics; with these additions:

  • DENYTOPICRENAME (in topic) overrides DENYWEBRENAME (in WebPreferences)
  • ALLOWTOPICRENAME (in topic) overrides ALLOWWEBRENAME (in WebPreferences)

Read Access Restriction for a Whole JCuckoo Web

You can define restrictions of who is allowed to view a JCuckoo web.


 <<O>>  Difference Topic TWikiAccessControl (r1.8 - 08 Jun 2001 - PeterThoeny)

    • Leave the view script non authenticated in the .htaccess file.
    • Enable the $doRememberRemoteUser flag in wikicfg.pm as described in TWiki Authentication. JCuckoo will now remember the IP address of an authenticated user.
    • Copy the view script to viewauth (or better, create a symbolic link)
Changed:
<
<
    • Enable authentication for the viewauth script in the .htaccess file.
>
>
    • Add viewauth to the list of authenticated scripts in the .htaccess file.

    • When a user accesses a web where you enabled view restriction, JCuckoo will redirect from the view script to the viewauth script once (this hapens only if the user has never edited a topic). Doing so will ask for authentication. The viewauth script shows the requested topic if the user could log on and if the user is authorized to see that web.
  • If you enable view restriction for a web, it is recommended to restrict search "all webs" from searching this web. Enable this restriction with the NOSEARCHALL variable in its WebPreferences, like:
    • Set NOSEARCHALL = on

 <<O>>  Difference Topic TWikiAccessControl (r1.7 - 16 Mar 2001 - PeterThoeny)
Added:
>
>

TWiki Access Control


JCuckoo allows you to define restrictions of who is allowed to view a JCuckoo web, make changes to topics or attach files.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Think twice before restricting read or write access to a web or a topic, because an open system where everybody can contribute is the essence of the WikiCulture. Experience shows that unrestricted write access works very well because:

Line: 6 to 8

  • A topic revision can be undone by a member of the TWikiAdminGroup in case needed.
Changed:
<
<
Users and Groups
>
>

Users and Groups


Access control is based on users and groups.

Line: 22 to 24

  • ALLOWTOPICCHANGE defines who is allowed to change the group topic; it is a comma delimited list of users and groups. You typically want to restrict that to the members of the group itself, so it should contain the name of the topic, i.e.
        * Set ALLOWTOPICCHANGE = Main.TWikiAdminGroup
    for the TWikiAdminGroup topic. (This is to prevent users not in the group from editing the topic and gaining unauthorized membership to the group.)
Changed:
<
<
Write Access Restriction for Individual Topics
>
>

Write Access Restriction for Individual Topics


You can define restrictions of who is allowed to make changes to a topic or attach files to it.

Line: 36 to 38

DENYTOPICCHANGE is evaluated before ALLOWTOPICCHANGE. Access is denied if the authenticated person is in the DENYTOPICCHANGE list, or not in the ALLOWTOPICCHANGE list. Access is granted in case DENYTOPICCHANGE and ALLOWTOPICCHANGE is not defined.

Changed:
<
<
Write Access Restriction for a Whole JCuckoo Web
>
>

Write Access Restriction for a Whole JCuckoo Web


You can define restrictions of who is allowed to make changes to a JCuckoo web. This includes creating new topics, changing topics or attaching files.

Line: 48 to 50

  • DENYTOPICCHANGE (in topic) overrides DENYWEBCHANGE (in WebPreferences)
  • ALLOWTOPICCHANGE (in topic) overrides ALLOWWEBCHANGE (in WebPreferences)
Changed:
<
<
Read Access Restriction for a Whole JCuckoo Web
>
>

Read Access Restriction for a Whole JCuckoo Web


You can define restrictions of who is allowed to view a JCuckoo web.

Line: 73 to 75

Related topics: TWikiPreferences, WebPreferences (in every web), TWikiAdminGroup, TWikiGroups

Changed:
<
<
-- PeterThoeny - 20 Jan 2001
>
>
-- PeterThoeny - 16 Mar 2001

 <<O>>  Difference Topic TWikiAccessControl (r1.6 - 26 Feb 2001 - PeterThoeny)

  • Set ALLOWWEBVIEW = < list of users and groups >

Notes for read access restriction:

Added:
>
>
  • The view restriction is not suitable for very sensitive content since there is a way to circumvent the read access restriction.

  • Read access restriction only works if the view script is authenticated, that means that users need to log on also just to read topics. TWiki Installation has more on basic authentication based on the .htaccess file.
  • There is a workaround if you prefer to to have unrestricted access to view topics located in normal webs, and to authenticate users only for webs where view restriction is enabled:
    • Leave the view script non authenticated in the .htaccess file.

 <<O>>  Difference Topic TWikiAccessControl (r1.5 - 21 Jan 2001 - PeterThoeny)

  • Set ALLOWWEBVIEW = < list of users and groups >

Notes for read access restriction:

Added:
>
>
  • Read access restriction only works if the view script is authenticated, that means that users need to log on also just to read topics. TWiki Installation has more on basic authentication based on the .htaccess file.
  • There is a workaround if you prefer to to have unrestricted access to view topics located in normal webs, and to authenticate users only for webs where view restriction is enabled:
    • Leave the view script non authenticated in the .htaccess file.
    • Enable the $doRememberRemoteUser flag in wikicfg.pm as described in TWiki Authentication. JCuckoo will now remember the IP address of an authenticated user.
    • Copy the view script to viewauth (or better, create a symbolic link)
    • Enable authentication for the viewauth script in the .htaccess file.
    • When a user accesses a web where you enabled view restriction, JCuckoo will redirect from the view script to the viewauth script once (this hapens only if the user has never edited a topic). Doing so will ask for authentication. The viewauth script shows the requested topic if the user could log on and if the user is authorized to see that web.

  • If you enable view restriction for a web, it is recommended to restrict search "all webs" from searching this web. Enable this restriction with the NOSEARCHALL variable in its WebPreferences, like:
    • Set NOSEARCHALL = on
  • It is not recommended to restrict view access to individual topics since all content is searchable within a web.

 <<O>>  Difference Topic TWikiAccessControl (r1.4 - 21 Jan 2001 - PeterThoeny)
Changed:
<
<
JCuckoo allows to define some restrictions of who is allowed to make changes and attach files to topics.
>
>
JCuckoo allows you to define restrictions of who is allowed to view a JCuckoo web, make changes to topics or attach files.

Changed:
<
<
IMPORTANT NOTE: Think twice before restricting write access to a web or a topic, because an open system where everybody can contribute is the essence of the WikiCulture. Experience shows that unrestricted write access works very well because:
>
>
IMPORTANT NOTE: Think twice before restricting read or write access to a web or a topic, because an open system where everybody can contribute is the essence of the WikiCulture. Experience shows that unrestricted write access works very well because:

  • There is enough peer pressure to post only conform content.
  • Content does not get lost because topics are under revision control.
  • A topic revision can be undone by a member of the TWikiAdminGroup in case needed.
Line: 22 to 22

  • ALLOWTOPICCHANGE defines who is allowed to change the group topic; it is a comma delimited list of users and groups. You typically want to restrict that to the members of the group itself, so it should contain the name of the topic, i.e.
        * Set ALLOWTOPICCHANGE = Main.TWikiAdminGroup
    for the TWikiAdminGroup topic. (This is to prevent users not in the group from editing the topic and gaining unauthorized membership to the group.)
Changed:
<
<
Access Control for Individual Topics
>
>
Write Access Restriction for Individual Topics

Changed:
<
<
You can define some restrictions of who is allowed to make changes and attach files to a topic.
>
>
You can define restrictions of who is allowed to make changes to a topic or attach files to it.

Define one or both of these variables in a topic, preferably at the end of the topic:

  • Set DENYTOPICCHANGE = < list of users and groups >
Line: 36 to 36

DENYTOPICCHANGE is evaluated before ALLOWTOPICCHANGE. Access is denied if the authenticated person is in the DENYTOPICCHANGE list, or not in the ALLOWTOPICCHANGE list. Access is granted in case DENYTOPICCHANGE and ALLOWTOPICCHANGE is not defined.

Changed:
<
<
Access Control per JCuckoo Web
>
>
Write Access Restriction for a Whole JCuckoo Web

Changed:
<
<
You can define some restrictions of who is allowed to make changes and attach files to topics or create new topics in a JCuckoo web.
>
>
You can define restrictions of who is allowed to make changes to a JCuckoo web. This includes creating new topics, changing topics or attaching files.

Define one or both of these variable in the WebPreferences topic:

  • Set DENYWEBCHANGE = < list of users and groups >
Line: 48 to 48

  • DENYTOPICCHANGE (in topic) overrides DENYWEBCHANGE (in WebPreferences)
  • ALLOWTOPICCHANGE (in topic) overrides ALLOWWEBCHANGE (in WebPreferences)
Added:
>
>
Read Access Restriction for a Whole JCuckoo Web

You can define restrictions of who is allowed to view a JCuckoo web.

Define one or both of these variable in the WebPreferences topic:

  • Set DENYWEBVIEW = < list of users and groups >
  • Set ALLOWWEBVIEW = < list of users and groups >

Notes for read access restriction:

  • If you enable view restriction for a web, it is recommended to restrict search "all webs" from searching this web. Enable this restriction with the NOSEARCHALL variable in its WebPreferences, like:
    • Set NOSEARCHALL = on
  • It is not recommended to restrict view access to individual topics since all content is searchable within a web.
  • The view restriction is not suitable for very sensitive content since there is a way to circumvent the read access restriction.

Related topics: TWikiPreferences, WebPreferences (in every web), TWikiAdminGroup, TWikiGroups
Changed:
<
<
-- PeterThoeny - 28 Oct 2000
>
>
-- PeterThoeny - 20 Jan 2001

 <<O>>  Difference Topic TWikiAccessControl (r1.3 - 14 Dec 2000 - PeterThoeny)

You can define some restrictions of who is allowed to make changes and attach files to topics or create new topics in a JCuckoo web.

Changed:
<
<
Define one or both of these variable in the WebPreferences topic:
>
>
Define one or both of these variable in the WebPreferences topic:

  • Set DENYWEBCHANGE = < list of users and groups >
  • Set ALLOWWEBCHANGE = < list of users and groups >

The same rules apply like the one for Access Control for Individual Topics; with these additions:

Changed:
<
<
  • DENYTOPICCHANGE (in topic) overrides DENYWEBCHANGE (in WebPreferences)
  • ALLOWTOPICCHANGE (in topic) overrides ALLOWWEBCHANGE (in WebPreferences)
>
>
  • DENYTOPICCHANGE (in topic) overrides DENYWEBCHANGE (in WebPreferences)
  • ALLOWTOPICCHANGE (in topic) overrides ALLOWWEBCHANGE (in WebPreferences)

Changed:
<
<
Related topics: TWikiPreferences, WebPreferences (in every web), TWikiAdminGroup, TWikiGroups
>
>
Related topics: TWikiPreferences, WebPreferences (in every web), TWikiAdminGroup, TWikiGroups

-- PeterThoeny - 28 Oct 2000


 <<O>>  Difference Topic TWikiAccessControl (r1.2 - 08 Nov 2000 - PeterThoeny)

JCuckoo allows to define some restrictions of who is allowed to make changes and attach files to topics.
Changed:
<
<
IMPORTANT NOTE: Is is recommended to use the access control feature only if absolutely necessary because it goes against the free WikiCulture, where everybody is invited to contribute to any topic.
>
>
IMPORTANT NOTE: Think twice before restricting write access to a web or a topic, because an open system where everybody can contribute is the essence of the WikiCulture. Experience shows that unrestricted write access works very well because:
  • There is enough peer pressure to post only conform content.
  • Content does not get lost because topics are under revision control.
  • A topic revision can be undone by a member of the TWikiAdminGroup in case needed.

Users and Groups

Line: 44 to 48

  • DENYTOPICCHANGE (in topic) overrides DENYWEBCHANGE (in WebPreferences)
  • ALLOWTOPICCHANGE (in topic) overrides ALLOWWEBCHANGE (in WebPreferences)
Changed:
<
<
Related topics: TWikiPreferences, WebPreferences (in every web), TWikiAdminGroup
>
>
Related topics: TWikiPreferences, WebPreferences (in every web), TWikiAdminGroup, TWikiGroups

-- PeterThoeny - 28 Oct 2000


 <<O>>  Difference Topic TWikiAccessControl (r1.1 - 29 Oct 2000 - PeterThoeny)
Line: 1 to 1
Added:
>
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JCuckoo allows to define some restrictions of who is allowed to make changes and attach files to topics.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Is is recommended to use the access control feature only if absolutely necessary because it goes against the free WikiCulture, where everybody is invited to contribute to any topic.

Users and Groups

Access control is based on users and groups.

Users are defined by the user topics in the Main web, i.e. TWikiGuest

  • Users can be authenticated using basic authentication or SSL. Installation Notes has more.

Groups are defined by group topics in the Main web, i.e. TWikiAdminGroup

  • A group topic name must end in ...Group
  • The group topic should define these two variables:
    • Set GROUP = < list of users and groups >
    • Set ALLOWTOPICCHANGE = < list of users and groups >
  • GROUP defines the members of the group; it is a comma delimited list of users and other groups. Example:
        * Set GROUP = Main.SomeUser, Main.OtherUser, Main.SomeOtherGroup
  • ALLOWTOPICCHANGE defines who is allowed to change the group topic; it is a comma delimited list of users and groups. You typically want to restrict that to the members of the group itself, so it should contain the name of the topic, i.e.
        * Set ALLOWTOPICCHANGE = Main.TWikiAdminGroup
    for the TWikiAdminGroup topic. (This is to prevent users not in the group from editing the topic and gaining unauthorized membership to the group.)

Access Control for Individual Topics

You can define some restrictions of who is allowed to make changes and attach files to a topic.

Define one or both of these variables in a topic, preferably at the end of the topic:

  • Set DENYTOPICCHANGE = < list of users and groups >
  • Set ALLOWTOPICCHANGE = < list of users and groups >

DENYTOPICCHANGE defines users or groups that are not allowed to make changes to the topic. It is a comma delimited list of users and groups. Example:
    * Set DENYTOPICCHANGE = Main.SomeBadBoy, Main.SomeBadGirl, Main.SomeHackerGroup

ALLOWTOPICCHANGE defines users or groups that are allowed to make changes to the topic. It is a comma delimited list of users and groups. Example:
    * Set ALLOWTOPICCHANGE = Main.SomeGoodGuy, Main.SomeGoodGirl, Main.TWikiAdminGroup

DENYTOPICCHANGE is evaluated before ALLOWTOPICCHANGE. Access is denied if the authenticated person is in the DENYTOPICCHANGE list, or not in the ALLOWTOPICCHANGE list. Access is granted in case DENYTOPICCHANGE and ALLOWTOPICCHANGE is not defined.

Access Control per JCuckoo Web

You can define some restrictions of who is allowed to make changes and attach files to topics or create new topics in a JCuckoo web.

Define one or both of these variable in the WebPreferences topic:

  • Set DENYWEBCHANGE = < list of users and groups >
  • Set ALLOWWEBCHANGE = < list of users and groups >

The same rules apply like the one for Access Control for Individual Topics; with these additions:

  • DENYTOPICCHANGE (in topic) overrides DENYWEBCHANGE (in WebPreferences)
  • ALLOWTOPICCHANGE (in topic) overrides ALLOWWEBCHANGE (in WebPreferences)

Related topics: TWikiPreferences, WebPreferences (in every web), TWikiAdminGroup

-- PeterThoeny - 28 Oct 2000


Topic: TWikiAccessControl . { View | Diffs | r1.28 | > | r1.27 | > | r1.26 | More }

Revision r1.1 - 29 Oct 2000 - 05:25 - PeterThoeny
Revision r1.28 - 14 Apr 2003 - 07:19 - PeterThoeny