Pluggable Authentication Module for Windows NT

Abstract

To meet the challenge of integrating new methods and technologies into the Internet security framework, it is useful to hide low-level authentication mechanisms from application n programmers, system administrators, and users, replacing them with abstractions at a higher level. The Pluggable Authentication Method approach popular in Linux, Solaris, and CDE offers one such abstraction. To implement PAM in NT, we replaced the standard Graphical Identification and Authentication module with one that processes PAM tables. This provides security administrators with a flexible tool to plan and implement authentication policy across a wide range of computing platforms. GINA is woven into the NT logon procedure, making it a difficult module to test and debug. Our PAM-based GINA solves this problem by allowing authentication mechanisms to be replaced and tested without forcing a reboot.