Shlink V5: Deprecating Plain-Text API Key Disabling

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Shlink v5: Deprecating Plain-Text API Key Disabling

Hey Shlink users! Let's dive into an important update regarding API keys in the upcoming v5.0.0 release. This change focuses on enhancing the security and maintainability of Shlink, so let's break it down.

The Move to Hashed API Keys

In Shlink v4.3, a significant improvement was introduced: API keys are now hashed. This means that instead of storing the actual API key in plain text, Shlink stores a secure, one-way encrypted version. This is a huge step up for security because even if someone gains access to the database, they won't be able to directly see the API keys. Along with this, a unique API key name was introduced, which acts as the primary identifier for each API key. Think of it like a username for your API key – it's how Shlink knows which key you're referring to.

This transition to hashed API keys and unique names brought Shlink up to modern security standards. It made the system significantly more robust against potential breaches. Before this, if the database was compromised, all API keys would be exposed. But now, thanks to hashing, that's no longer the case. The introduction of unique names also made managing API keys much easier and less prone to errors. Imagine trying to remember and differentiate between multiple plain-text keys – not fun! With unique names, you can easily identify and manage each key. The move to hashed keys and unique names was a crucial step in making Shlink a more secure and user-friendly platform. It reflects a commitment to protecting user data and providing a reliable service. As we move forward, these security enhancements will continue to be a priority, ensuring that Shlink remains a trusted tool for link management.

Why Remove Plain-Text Key Disabling?

So, why are we talking about removing the ability to disable API keys using their plain-text value? Well, it's all about cleaning up legacy code and focusing on the new, more secure method. Since v4.3, the unique API key name is the single source of truth for identifying API keys. The plain-text key is essentially redundant and, more importantly, less secure to rely on.

Keeping the plain-text disabling option around creates unnecessary complexity in the codebase. It means we have to maintain code that's essentially doing the same thing twice – once using the new, secure method (unique name and hashed key) and once using the old, less secure method (plain-text key). This added complexity can lead to potential bugs and makes it harder to maintain and update the system in the long run. Think of it like having two different ways to unlock your front door – one with a modern keycard and another with an old, rusty key. The keycard is more secure and reliable, but you're still keeping the rusty key around just in case. Eventually, you'd want to get rid of the rusty key to simplify things and ensure you're only relying on the best method. That's essentially what we're doing here. By removing the plain-text disabling option, we can streamline the codebase, reduce the risk of errors, and focus our efforts on further enhancing the security and reliability of Shlink. This ensures that Shlink remains a robust and trustworthy platform for managing your links.

Furthermore, maintaining backwards compatibility always comes at a cost. In this case, it means carrying around code that's no longer the preferred way of doing things. Removing this legacy code allows us to simplify the codebase, making it easier to maintain and improve in the future. It also reduces the potential for confusion and errors, as there's only one way to disable API keys. This streamlining is essential for ensuring the long-term health and stability of Shlink. By focusing on the most secure and efficient methods, we can deliver a better experience for all users. The removal of plain-text key disabling is a step towards a cleaner, more robust, and more secure Shlink platform. It's about embracing the best practices and ensuring that Shlink remains a reliable tool for managing your links.

Backwards Compatibility Considerations

We understand that changes like this can sometimes cause friction. That's why the plain-text disabling option was kept around for a while after v4.3 – to give everyone time to transition to the new system. However, as we move towards v5.0.0, it's time to fully embrace the new, more secure method.

If you're currently disabling API keys using the plain-text value, you'll need to update your scripts or processes to use the unique API key name instead. This is a relatively straightforward change, but it's important to do it before upgrading to v5.0.0 to avoid any disruptions. Think of it like switching from an old phone to a new one – you need to transfer your contacts and data to the new device before you can fully use it. Similarly, you need to update your API key management processes to use the unique name instead of the plain-text value. This ensures a smooth transition and allows you to take full advantage of the improved security and manageability of Shlink v5. The good news is that this change only needs to be done once. Once you've updated your scripts to use the unique API key name, you won't have to worry about it again. This small effort will ensure that you're using the most secure and efficient method for managing your API keys in Shlink. By making this change, you're not only ensuring the security of your own Shlink instance but also contributing to the overall security and stability of the Shlink platform.

What This Means for You

In short, if you're using the plain-text key to disable API keys, you'll need to update your code to use the unique API key name. This is a one-time change, but it's crucial for ensuring your scripts continue to work as expected after upgrading to Shlink v5.0.0.

Why This Is a Good Thing

Removing the plain-text disabling option is a positive step for several reasons:

  • Improved Security: Focuses on the more secure, hashed API key system.
  • Simplified Codebase: Reduces complexity and makes Shlink easier to maintain.
  • Reduced Risk of Errors: Eliminates potential issues caused by having two different methods for disabling API keys.

By making this change, we're ensuring that Shlink remains a secure, reliable, and easy-to-use platform for managing your links. It's all about keeping things clean, efficient, and secure!

How to Prepare for This Change

To ensure a smooth transition to Shlink v5.0.0, here's what you should do:

  1. Identify any scripts or processes that use the plain-text API key to disable API keys. Look for code that directly references the plain-text key when disabling an API key.
  2. Update those scripts to use the unique API key name instead. You can retrieve the unique API key name through the Shlink API or database.
  3. Test your changes thoroughly. Make sure your scripts are working correctly with the unique API key name.
  4. Deploy the updated scripts before upgrading to Shlink v5.0.0. This will prevent any disruptions after the upgrade.

By following these steps, you can ensure a seamless transition to Shlink v5.0.0 and take full advantage of the improved security and manageability of the platform.

Conclusion

The deprecation of plain-text API key disabling in Shlink v5.0.0 is a necessary step towards a more secure and maintainable platform. While it requires a small update on your end, the benefits in terms of security and code simplification are well worth it. Thanks for your understanding and continued support of Shlink! We're committed to making Shlink the best link management platform out there, and this change is just one step in that direction.