TiddlyWiki5/plugins/tiddlywiki/multiwikiserver/docs

title: $:/plugins/tiddlywiki/multiwikiserver/readme

This plugin extends the TiddlyWiki 5 server running on Node.js to be able to host multiple wikis that can share content or be independent.

!! Installation

```
# Clone the repo into ./TiddlyWiki5
git clone https://github.com/Jermolene/TiddlyWiki5.git --branch multi-wiki-support
cd TiddlyWiki5

# Install dependencies
npm install

# Start the server
npm start
```

Then visit the administration interface in a browser: http://127.0.0.1:8080/

The `npm start` command is a shortcut for the following command:

```
node ./tiddlywiki.js ./editions/multiwikiserver --mws-listen
```

Note that changes are written to the topmost bag in a recipe.

Note that until syncing is improved it is necessary to use "Get latest changes from the server" to speed up propogation of changes between users.

To run the tests:

```
./bin/test.sh
```

# Authentication & Authorization

## Overview

Our application has transitioned from a conventional username/password authentication system to a more robust Authentication and Authorization implementation. This new system supports multiple user accounts, roles, permissions, and a comprehensive access control list.

## Key Features

1. Multiple User Accounts
2. Role-based Access Control
3. Granular Permissions
4. Access Control List (ACL)

## Application Access & Security

### Initial Setup
When you first launch the Multiwiki Server, it operates in an unauthenticated mode to facilitate initial configuration. During this initial state, the system creates a temporary anonymous administrator account. Upon accessing the landing page, you'll receive a prominent security warning with instructions to establish a permanent ADMIN account. It's crucial to create this account immediately to secure your installation.

### User Types and Permissions

#### Administrator (ADMIN)
- Full system access and configuration rights
- Can create, modify, and delete user accounts
- Manages role assignments and permissions
- Controls global system settings
- Can configure guest access policies
- Has complete control over all recipes and tiddlers

#### Regular Users
- Custom accounts created by administrators
- Permissions determined by assigned roles
- Access limited to specific recipes based on role permissions
- Can have READ and/or WRITE permissions

#### Guest Users
- Default anonymous access level
- No inherent permissions
- Can only access recipes without Access Control Lists (ACLs)
- Read/write capabilities configurable by ADMIN
- Useful for public wikis or documentation sites

### Access Control System

#### Recipe-Level Security
- Access control is implemented at the recipe level
- Each recipe can have its own Access Control List (ACL)
- Permissions are granular:
  - READ: Allows viewing recipe contents
  - WRITE: Allows modifications to recipe contents

#### Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
- Administrators can create custom roles
- Roles can be assigned specific READ/WRITE permissions
- Users inherit permissions from their assigned roles
- Multiple roles can be assigned to a single user
- Provides flexible and scalable access management

#### Permission Inheritance
- Users receive combined permissions from all assigned roles
- More permissive role takes precedence in conflicts
- Guest access is overridden by recipe ACLs
- System automatically enforces most restrictive access when conflicts occur

This security model allows for fine-grained control over content access while maintaining flexibility for both private and public wiki deployments.

## User Management & Security Architecture

### User Account Management

Users can be administered through two interfaces:
1. Web-based Administrative Interface
   - Accessible only to ADMIN users
   - Provides graphical interface for user operations
   - Real-time validation and feedback
2. Command-line Interface (CLI) Tools
   - Suitable for automation and scripting
   - Enables batch operations
   - Useful for system initialization

Each user account contains the following essential components:
- **Username**
  - Must be unique across the system
  - Case-sensitive
  - Used for authentication and audit trails
- **Password**
  - Stored using secure hashing algorithms
  - Never stored in plaintext
  - Subject to complexity requirements
- **Role Assignments**
  - Multiple roles can be assigned
  - Inherited permissions from all assigned roles
  - Dynamic permission calculation based on role combination

### Role & Permission Framework

#### Role Management
Roles serve as permission containers and provide organized access control. The system includes:

**Built-in Roles:**
- `ADMIN`
  - Highest privilege level
  - Full system access
  - Cannot be modified or deleted
  - Can create and manage other roles
  - Controls guest access policies

- `USER`
  - Basic access rights
  - Typically limited to specific recipes
  
**Custom Roles (Examples):**
- `MANAGER`
  - Intermediate access level
  - Can manage subset of resources
- Custom roles as needed for specific use cases

#### Permission Architecture

**Core Permissions:**
1. `READ` Permission
   - View recipe contents
   - Access tiddler data
   - View metadata
   - Export capabilities

2. `WRITE` Permission
   - Create new tiddlers
   - Modify existing content
   - Delete resources
   - Manage recipe contents

**Guest Access:**
- No default permissions
- Access limited to non-ACL recipes
- Configurable by ADMIN users
- Suitable for public wikis

### Access Control List (ACL) Implementation

The ACL system provides granular security control through:

#### Entity-Level Control
- Recipe-based access control
- Individual resource protection
- Hierarchical permission inheritance


### Authentication Process Flow

1. Initial Authentication
   - User submits credentials
   - System validates username existence
   - Password hash comparison
   - Session token generation

2. Session Management
   - Secure session storage
   - Token-based authentication
   - Automatic session expiration
   - Re-authentication requirements

### Authorization Workflow

1. Request Processing
   - Capture user action request
   - Identify target resource
   - Extract required permissions

2. Permission Validation
   - Check user roles
   - Aggregate permissions
   - Verify ACL entries
   - Apply guest policies if applicable

3. Access Decision
   - Compare required vs. available permissions
   - Apply most restrictive policy
   - Return access decision

### System Extension Guidelines

#### Adding New Roles
1. Access administrative interface
2. Define role identifier
3. Assign base permissions
4. Configure ACL mappings
5. Test role functionality

#### Permission Expansion
1. Define new permission type
2. Update ACL structure
3. Implement permission checks
4. Update validation logic
5. Document new permission

#### Security Considerations
- Regular permission audits
- Role assignment reviews
- Guest access monitoring
- Security log analysis
- Access pattern monitoring

This comprehensive security model provides flexible, maintainable, and secure access control while supporting both authenticated and guest users within the Multiwiki Server environment.