shazow/ssh-chat
Ssh Chat
ssh-chat is a self-hosted chat server that runs entirely over the SSH protocol, allowing users to join a shared chat room using any standard SSH client without additional software. It uses SSH public key fingerprints for user identity and authentication, eliminating the need for separate credentials or TLS setup, and manages user connections as SSH sessions with join, leave, and message routing handled within a single process.
The server provides encrypted transport and public-key-based access control, with the ability to restrict connections to a whitelist of SSH keys and assign admin roles based on key files. It supports private direct messaging between users, a customizable welcome message displayed on connection, and persistent message logging to a configurable file for record-keeping and moderation review. The chat interface renders as a terminal session using ANSI escape codes for formatting and color output, with options to customize the color theme.
Deployment options include automated installation scripts for Linux with systemd configuration, custom port binding to coexist with other SSH services, and support for running as a background daemon on Linux or OpenBSD. The server can also be launched inside a terminal multiplexer for persistent operation after the user logs out.
Features
- Terminal Chat Servers - Running a text-only chat interface designed for use inside a terminal emulator with ANSI formatting.
- Self-Hosted Chat Servers - Deploying and managing a lightweight chat server on a personal or organization server with custom port, MOTD, and logging.
- SSH-Based - Connects users to a shared chat room through a standard SSH client, providing a secure text-based conversation environment.
- Chat Servers - A multi-user chat room accessible through any standard SSH client, using SSH keys for authentication and identity.
- SSH Chat Servers - An encrypted group chat room accessible through any standard SSH client, using SSH keys for authentication and identity.
- SSH-Key Authenticated Communications - Providing encrypted, authenticated group chat for teams using existing SSH key infrastructure for identity and access control.
- SSH-Based Chat Rooms - Running a multi-user chat room accessible through any standard SSH client, with no additional software needed on the client side.
- SSH Session Management - Manages user connections as SSH sessions, handling join, leave, and message routing within a single process.
- Terminal Interfaces - Renders the chat interface as a terminal session, relying on ANSI escape codes for formatting and color output.
- User Identity Verification - Display the public key fingerprint of any connected user so participants can confirm each other's identity.
- Fingerprint-Based Identity Systems - Identifies and authenticates users by their SSH public key fingerprints, enabling persistent identities and role-based access control.
- SSH Authorized Keys Validators - Elevate users to administrator status based on their SSH public keys listed in a designated file.
- Admin Key Assignments - Designate certain public keys as administrators to grant them elevated privileges in the chat room.
- Whitelist-Based Key Access Controls - Restricts server access and assigns admin roles by reading whitelist and admin key files at connection time.
- SSH Key Authenticated Chats - A chat server that identifies and authenticates users by their SSH public keys.
- Group Chats - A multi-user text conversation platform that runs over the SSH protocol.
- SSH Transport Integrations - Uses the SSH protocol for encrypted transport and user authentication, eliminating the need for separate credentials or TLS setup.
- User Access Controls - Control who can join the chat by whitelisting or blocking users and removing disruptive participants by kicking them from the room.
- SSH Host Key Configurations - Set the SSH private key used to identify the server for controlling its cryptographic identity.
- Chat Message Logs - Persists all chat messages to a configurable log file for record-keeping and moderation review.
- Private Messaging Systems - Delivers a direct message to a specific user in the chat room using a command, keeping the conversation private from others.
- Service Port Bindings - Bind the chat server to a specific port so it can coexist with other SSH services on the same machine.
- Chat Color Themes - Change the color theme of the chat interface when the connecting SSH client supports color output.
- Terminal Color Themes - Adjust the visual color scheme of the chat interface when the user's SSH client supports color customization.
- Server Infrastructure - Chat platform implemented over the SSH protocol.
- Media and Entertainment - Chat with other users directly over an SSH connection.
