Re: Allowing usernames in pg_hba.conf

OK, I no one can seem to come up with an improved file format for
pg_hba.conf so I am going to continue in the direction outlined in this
email --- basically remove the auth_argument column and make it
'auth_type=auth_arg' and add a username column, plus add the ability for
the username and database columns to use a secondary file if the column
value starts with @.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

pgman wrote:
> > This is definitely stressing pg_hba past its design limits --- heck, the
> > name of the file isn't even appropriate anymore, if usernames are part
> > of the match criteria. Rather than contorting things to maintain a
> > pretense of backwards compatibility, it's time to abandon the current
> > file format, change the name, and start over. (I believe there are
> > traces in the code of this having been done before.) We could probably
> > arrange to read and convert the existing pg_hba format if we don't see
> > a new-style authentication config file out there.
> >
> > My first thoughts are (a) add a column outright for matching username;
> > (b) for both database and username columns, allow a filename reference
> > so that a bunch of names can be stored separately from the master
> > authentication file. I don't much care for sticking large lists of
> > names into the auth file itself.
>
> OK, I have an idea. I was never happy with the AUTH_ARGUMENT column.
> What I propose is adding an optional auth_type=val capability to the
> file, so an AUTH_ARGUMENT column isn't needed. If a username column
> starts with @, it is a file name containing user names. The same can be
> done with the database column. Seems very backward compatible.. If you
> don't use auth_argument, it is totally compatible. If you do, you need
> to use the new format auth_type=val:
>
> TYPE DATABASE IP_ADDRESS MASK AUTH_TYPE USERNAMES
> local all trust fred
> host all 127.0.0.1 255.255.255.255 trust @staff
> host all 127.0.0.1 255.255.255.255 ident=sales jimmy
>
> I have thought about a redesign of the file, but I can't come up with
> something that is as powerful, and cleaner. Do others have ideas?
>
> As far as missing features, I can't think of other things people have
> asked for in pg_hba.conf except usernames.
>
> --
> Bruce Momjian | http://candle.pha.pa.us
> pgman(at)candle(dot)pha(dot)pa(dot)us | (610) 853-3000
> + If your life is a hard drive, | 830 Blythe Avenue
> + Christ can be your backup. | Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania 19026
>

--
Bruce Momjian | http://candle.pha.pa.us
pgman(at)candle(dot)pha(dot)pa(dot)us | (610) 853-3000
+ If your life is a hard drive, | 830 Blythe Avenue
+ Christ can be your backup. | Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania 19026