Shell Programming and Scripting

i want to generate a random number through a script, and even if anyone reads the script, they wont be able to figure out what the random number is. only the person who setup the script would know it.

something like this could work: random

the full thread is here:

https://www.unix.com/shell-programmin...andomly-2.html

if anyone can modify the code to spit out a precise number only I (the script author) would know and no one else, even those who try to read the script.

You've been down this road many times before.

Your script, by definition, would include the complete and unabridged method for generating this "secret" number. How would you conceal it? If the computer can decode it, so can they, no ifs or buts. You're not going to defeat this by being clever enough, the same way you can't change the value of pi by being clever enough.

The kind of security you want can be achieved by not letting their computer read it.

i understand what you're saying. but there's been quite a few things that i've read couldn't be done, but ended up being doable. they just required "being clever" enough, and having the excessive dedication time it takes to actually write something noone in their right mind would want to try to break unless given a massive monetary incentive to do so. and even then, you'd have to be in the mind of the coder to know what he's doing, especially if the script or code is large in size, void of comments, and not written in a way that makes it easily comprehended. but thanks for your input. much appreciated.

I don't think you do. Have fun, though. I'm done here.

Perhaps what you are actually going for is to embed in a script a non-random, pre-determined number in an obfuscated manner? If so, that is doable. Otherwise, you are out of luck.

Regards,
Alister

if this is possible, i would be elated.

It's possible, but as Corona pointed out, it's not at all secure. The best that you can hope for is to deter a lazy and incompetent adversary, someone who doesn't want to think through the code and who doesn't know enough to enable tracing (set -x) on your script.

You can't even do this in C or assembly language. If the instructions are there, they can be decoded.

It would probably be much more constructive if you described what you're defending against.
Regards,
Alister