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Virtual Private Server v2

NMS FormMail

NOTE: Prior to 8 March, 2002, FormMail for the Virtual Private Server used the source from Matt's Script Archive. This version of FormMail has a number of significant security holes which allow malicious users to relay messages through a vulnerable server.

NMS FormMail is a drop-in replacement for the orignal script which overcomes the security problems associated with FormMail, and is now being provided on the Virtual Private Servers. We strongly urge anyone using FormMail to switch to the NMS version if they are not already using it.

NMS FormMail was specifically designed to be compatible with the original FormMail script, and should not require you to make any changes to your HTML forms already in use when you switch to the NMS version.

NMS FormMail is a CGI program designed to generate E-Mail based on the input from an HTML form.

Installation

To install the NMS FormMail on your Virtual Private Server, connect to your server via SSH or Telnet and run the following command:

% vinstall formmail

This command installs two files, FormMail.pl and README, into your ~/www/cgi-bin directory.

Usage

Create a form that you would like the contents mailed to some address. The form should include the following field (at the very least):

  • recipient = specifies who mail is sent to

Other optional fields can also be used to enhance the operation of FormMail for you site, for example:

  • subject = specify the subject included in e-mail sent back to you

  • email = allow the user to specify a return e-mail address

  • realname = allow the user to input their real name

  • redirect = URL of page to redirect to instead of echoing form input

  • required = list of field names that are required input (comma delimited)

Several other fields are supported. See the README file for a complete presentation of the supported fields.

The following is an example of how your form could be designed:

<form method="POST" action="/cgi-bin/formmail.pl">
  <input type="hidden" name="recipient" value="order@yourdomain.com">
  <input type="hidden" name="subject" value="Order Request">
  <input type="hidden" name="required" value="realname,email,phone">
  
  <h3>Please Enter Your Name:</h3>
  
  <input name="realname" size="40">
  
  <h3>Please Enter Your Email Address:</h3>
  
  <input name="email" size="40">
  
  <h3>Please Enter Your Phone Number:</h3>
  
  <input name="phone" size="40">
.
.
.
  <input type="submit" value="Submit">
  <input type="reset" value="Reset">
</form>

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