René's URL Explorer Experiment

{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"DiscussionForumPosting","headline":"Feature: Admin Control Panel for Server Management","articleBody":"## Summary\n\nThis issue proposes an admin control panel for JavaScriptSolidServer, providing server administrators with a web-based interface for ongoing server management after initial setup. This is complementary to #95 (first-run onboarding wizard).\n\nBased on deep research of industry leaders across self-hosted software, web server control panels, and PaaS platforms, this document outlines recommended features, architecture patterns, and implementation priorities.\n\n---\n\n## Industry Research \u0026 Comparative Analysis\n\n### Category 1: Self-Hosted Application Admin Panels\n\n#### Nextcloud\n| Feature | Implementation |\n|---------|----------------|\n| **Dashboard** | Customizable widgets showing activity, storage usage, calendar, emails |\n| **User Management** | Create/edit/delete users, group management, quotas, 2FA enforcement |\n| **Roles** | Super Admin (full access) vs Group Admin (limited to assigned groups) |\n| **Audit Logging** | Full audit trail in separate log file, DLP/MDM integration |\n| **App Management** | Enable/disable apps, install from marketplace |\n| **Settings** | Server config, email/SMTP, background jobs, caching |\n\n#### Mastodon\n| Feature | Implementation |\n|---------|----------------|\n| **Moderation** | Account actions (freeze, suspend, mark sensitive), appeal system |\n| **Federation** | Domain blocks, blocklist import/export, deliverability control |\n| **Roles** | Owner, Admin, Moderator with granular permissions |\n| **Reports** | Review and resolve user reports with 20-day appeal window |\n| **Webhooks** | Real-time notifications for moderation events (Discord, Slack, IRC) |\n| **Spam Prevention** | Email domain blacklisting, baseline anti-spam measures |\n\n#### Gitea/Forgejo\n| Feature | Implementation |\n|---------|----------------|\n| **User Controls** | Disable features per user (SSH keys, GPG, MFA, deletion) |\n| **Auth Sources** | LDAP, OAuth2, SMTP with admin filter for auto-promotion |\n| **2FA Enforcement** | Global requirement options: none, all users, admins only |\n| **Repository Admin** | Adoption/deletion of unadopted repos |\n| **CLI Admin** | `gitea admin` commands for user creation, password reset |\n\n#### Vaultwarden\n| Feature | Implementation |\n|---------|----------------|\n| **Admin Access** | Token-based (Argon2 hashed), disabled by default |\n| **Security Pattern** | Admin panel should never be exposed to internet |\n| **IP Restriction** | Nginx rules to allow only LAN/VPN access |\n| **SSO Integration** | Optional SSO-only mode, disable password login |\n| **Self-Disable** | Remove token after config to disable web access entirely |\n\n#### Matrix Synapse\n| Feature | Implementation |\n|---------|----------------|\n| **User Management** | Create, delete, deactivate, lock, erase, shadow ban |\n| **Room Management** | View members/media/permissions, room directory control |\n| **Media Management** | Preview, quarantine, delete, filter by criteria |\n| **Moderation Tools** | Report resolution, Mjolnir bot integration |\n| **Protected Users** | Regexp-based MXID protection (prevent bridge puppet modifications) |\n\n---\n\n### Category 2: Web Server Control Panels\n\n#### cPanel/WHM (Industry Standard)\n| Feature | Implementation |\n|---------|----------------|\n| **Two-Tier Model** | WHM (server admin) + cPanel (end-user) separation |\n| **Account Management** | Create/suspend/terminate accounts, resource allocation |\n| **Reseller Support** | Non-root WHM for department/reseller management |\n| **SSL Management** | Self-generated and CA-provided certificates |\n| **Security** | SSL, MFA, IP deny/allow lists |\n\n#### Cockpit (Red Hat)\n| Feature | Implementation |\n|---------|----------------|\n| **Real-time Dashboard** | CPU, memory, disk, network graphs |\n| **Zero Footprint** | Runs on-demand via systemd socket activation |\n| **Multi-Server** | Manage multiple servers from single interface |\n| **Built-in Terminal** | Web-based terminal for CLI access |\n| **Modular** | Plugins for Podman, libvirt, storage |\n| **Logs** | Aggregated system logs with search/filter |\n\n#### Webmin\n| Feature | Implementation |\n|---------|----------------|\n| **110+ Modules** | System, Servers, Networking, Hardware, Cluster |\n| **Extensible** | Third-party and custom module support |\n| **Cluster Management** | Manage modules/themes/users across multiple servers |\n| **Related Projects** | Virtualmin (web hosting), Usermin (end-user) |\n\n---\n\n### Category 3: PaaS Admin Panels\n\n#### Portainer\n| Feature | Implementation |\n|---------|----------------|\n| **RBAC Roles** | Administrator, Environment Admin, Operator, Helpdesk, Standard User |\n| **Teams** | Group users, assign to stacks, per-team container enablement |\n| **Ownership** | Container/resource ownership tracking and transfer |\n| **Multi-Environment** | Manage Docker, Kubernetes, Swarm from one UI |\n\n#### Coolify\n| Feature | Implementation |\n|---------|----------------|\n| **Unified Dashboard** | Applications, databases, queues, storage, jobs |\n| **Project Organization** | Production, staging, preview environments |\n| **Real-time Terminal** | Execute commands on servers from browser |\n| **Monitoring** | Deployment, server, disk usage monitoring |\n| **Notifications** | Discord, Telegram, email alerts |\n| **Team Collaboration** | Share projects with role-based permissions |\n\n#### CapRover\n| Feature | Implementation |\n|---------|----------------|\n| **Cluster Management** | Docker Swarm-based, add nodes via UI or CLI |\n| **Built-in Registry** | Managed Docker registry or 3rd party |\n| **Monitoring** | NetData integration, GoAccess for logs |\n| **One-Click Apps** | App marketplace with templates |\n\n---\n\n### Category 4: Modern Backend Platforms\n\n#### PocketBase\n| Feature | Implementation |\n|---------|----------------|\n| **Embedded Dashboard** | Svelte SPA served at `/_/`, no separate install |\n| **Collection Management** | Create/edit collections with auto-generated API docs |\n| **API Rules** | Per-collection CRUD rules (public, auth, admin only) |\n| **Logs Viewer** | Searchable, filterable activity logs with syntax highlighting |\n| **Single Binary** | Dashboard embedded in Go binary |\n\n#### Directus\n| Feature | Implementation |\n|---------|----------------|\n| **No-Code UI** | Safe for non-technical users, no training required |\n| **Fine-Grained RBAC** | Row-level access control per role |\n| **Automation (Flows)** | Event-driven data processing, replace Zapier/Make |\n| **Inline Editing** | Edit content directly on preview pages |\n| **White-Label** | Fully customizable branding |\n\n---\n\n## Security Patterns Analysis\n\n### Authentication Methods (Industry Comparison)\n\n| Software | Method | Notes |\n|----------|--------|-------|\n| Vaultwarden | Token (Argon2 hash) | Admin panel disabled by default |\n| Portainer | Username/Password + optional 2FA | Pre-configured via CLI |\n| Cockpit | PAM (system users) | No separate auth system |\n| Nextcloud | Session-based + 2FA | Integrated with user system |\n| PocketBase | Superuser accounts | Separate from regular users |\n| Mastodon | Role-based (Owner/Admin/Mod) | Appeals system for actions |\n\n### Best Practices Identified\n\n1. **Defense in Depth**: Multiple security layers (IP restriction + token + 2FA)\n2. **Disabled by Default**: Admin panel should require explicit enablement\n3. **Never Expose to Internet**: Recommend LAN/VPN-only access\n4. **Separate from User Auth**: Admin credentials distinct from regular users\n5. **Audit Everything**: Log all admin actions with timestamps\n6. **Least Privilege**: Role-based access with minimal default permissions\n7. **Token Rotation**: Support for periodic credential rotation\n\n---\n\n## Proposed Admin Panel for JSS\n\n### Architecture Options\n\n#### Option A: Embedded (Recommended for MVP)\n```\n┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐\n│  JSS Binary                             │\n│  ├── Solid Server (existing)            │\n│  └── Admin UI (new, served at /.admin)  │\n└─────────────────────────────────────────┘\n```\n- **Pros**: Single deployment, no dependencies, PocketBase model\n- **Cons**: Larger binary, UI updates require server update\n\n#### Option B: Separate Service\n```\n┌─────────────────┐     ┌─────────────────┐\n│  JSS Server     │◄────│  Admin Service  │\n│  (port 3000)    │ API │  (port 3001)    │\n└─────────────────┘     └─────────────────┘\n```\n- **Pros**: Independent updates, can disable entirely\n- **Cons**: More complex deployment, two processes\n\n#### Option C: Static + API (Hybrid)\n```\n┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐\n│  JSS Server                             │\n│  ├── /.admin/* (static SPA files)       │\n│  └── /.admin/api/* (admin endpoints)    │\n└─────────────────────────────────────────┘\n```\n- **Pros**: UI can be updated separately, clean separation\n- **Cons**: Slightly more complex build process\n\n---\n\n### Proposed Feature Set\n\n#### Tier 1: MVP (Essential)\n\n**Dashboard**\n```\n┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐\n│  JSS Admin Dashboard                          [Logout]      │\n├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤\n│                                                             │\n│  Server Status: ● Online        Uptime: 14d 3h 22m         │\n│  Version: 0.0.81                Pods: 42                    │\n│                                                             │\n│  ┌─────────────┐ ┌─────────────┐ ┌─────────────┐           │\n│  │ Storage     │ │ Requests    │ │ Active      │           │\n│  │ 2.4GB/10GB  │ │ 1.2k/day    │ │ 12 users    │           │\n│  └─────────────┘ └─────────────┘ └─────────────┘           │\n│                                                             │\n│  Recent Activity                                            │\n│  ├─ alice created pod \"photos\"           2 min ago         │\n│  ├─ bob uploaded 15 files                5 min ago         │\n│  └─ carol registered account             1 hour ago        │\n│                                                             │\n└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘\n```\n\n**Pod Management**\n| Action | Description |\n|--------|-------------|\n| List pods | Name, owner, creation date, storage used |\n| View pod details | Files, ACLs, quota usage |\n| Adjust quota | Increase/decrease per-pod storage limit |\n| Delete pod | With confirmation, optional data export |\n\n**User/Account Management** (when IdP enabled)\n| Action | Description |\n|--------|-------------|\n| List accounts | Email, created date, last login, status |\n| Disable/Enable | Temporarily disable account access |\n| Reset password | Send password reset email |\n| Delete account | With pod handling options |\n\n**Invite Management** (when invite-only mode)\n| Action | Description |\n|--------|-------------|\n| Generate invites | Single or batch, with expiration |\n| List invites | Status (unused/used/expired), created by |\n| Revoke invite | Cancel unused invite codes |\n\n**Configuration Viewer**\n- Display current configuration (read-only for safety)\n- Show which options came from CLI vs env vs config file\n- Warnings for security issues (e.g., no HTTPS)\n\n---\n\n#### Tier 2: Enhanced\n\n**Logs Viewer**\n```\n┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐\n│  Logs                                    [Filter] [Export]  │\n├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤\n│  Level: [All ▼]  Pod: [All ▼]  Date: [Last 24h ▼]         │\n├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤\n│  INFO   2024-01-15 10:23:45  GET /alice/profile/card  200  │\n│  INFO   2024-01-15 10:23:44  PUT /bob/photos/img.jpg  201  │\n│  WARN   2024-01-15 10:23:40  Auth failed: invalid token    │\n│  ERROR  2024-01-15 10:22:30  Quota exceeded: carol         │\n└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘\n```\n\n**Federation Management** (when ActivityPub/Nostr enabled)\n| Feature | Description |\n|---------|-------------|\n| ActivityPub stats | Followers, following, federated instances |\n| Block instances | Domain-level blocks for federation |\n| Nostr relay stats | Connected clients, events stored |\n\n**Backup/Export**\n| Feature | Description |\n|---------|-------------|\n| Export pod | Download pod data as archive |\n| Export config | Download current configuration |\n| Backup all | Full server backup (data + config) |\n\n---\n\n#### Tier 3: Advanced\n\n**Real-time Monitoring**\n- WebSocket-based live updates\n- Connection count, request rate graphs\n- Resource usage (CPU, memory if available)\n\n**Multi-Admin Support**\n- Multiple admin accounts with roles\n- Audit log of admin actions\n- Admin permission levels (full vs read-only)\n\n**Automation/Webhooks**\n- Webhook notifications for events (new user, quota exceeded)\n- Integration with Discord, Slack, email\n\n**CLI Companion**\n```bash\njss admin users list\njss admin pods list\njss admin invites generate --count 10\njss admin config show\njss admin logs --follow\n```\n\n---\n\n### Security Implementation\n\n#### Authentication Flow\n```\n1. Admin accesses /.admin\n2. If no admin token configured → Show \"Admin panel disabled\" message\n3. If token configured → Show login form\n4. Validate credentials against ADMIN_TOKEN (Argon2 hashed)\n5. Issue session token (short-lived, e.g., 1 hour)\n6. All admin API calls require valid session\n7. Logout invalidates session\n```\n\n#### Environment Variables\n```bash\n# Enable admin panel (disabled by default)\nJSS_ADMIN_ENABLED=true\n\n# Authentication token (required if enabled)\n# Generate with: openssl rand -base64 48\nJSS_ADMIN_TOKEN=$argon2id$v=19$m=65536,t=3,p=4$...\n\n# Optional: Restrict to specific IPs\nJSS_ADMIN_ALLOWED_IPS=192.168.1.0/24,10.0.0.0/8\n\n# Optional: Change admin path (security through obscurity, not recommended as sole measure)\nJSS_ADMIN_PATH=/.secret-admin\n\n# Optional: Require HTTPS for admin access\nJSS_ADMIN_REQUIRE_HTTPS=true\n```\n\n#### Security Checklist\n- [ ] Admin panel disabled by default\n- [ ] Token stored as Argon2 hash, never plain text\n- [ ] Session tokens are short-lived and invalidated on logout\n- [ ] Rate limiting on login attempts\n- [ ] All admin actions logged with timestamp and IP\n- [ ] HTTPS enforcement option\n- [ ] IP allowlist support\n- [ ] No sensitive data in URL parameters\n- [ ] CSRF protection on all mutations\n\n---\n\n## Implementation Difficulty \u0026 Priority\n\n| Feature | Difficulty | Priority | Dependencies |\n|---------|------------|----------|--------------|\n| Admin auth system | 35/100 | P0 | None |\n| Dashboard (read-only) | 30/100 | P0 | Auth |\n| Pod listing | 20/100 | P0 | Auth |\n| Quota management | 25/100 | P1 | Pod listing |\n| Account listing | 25/100 | P1 | Auth, IdP |\n| Invite management | 20/100 | P1 | Auth, IdP |\n| Config viewer | 15/100 | P1 | Auth |\n| Logs viewer | 40/100 | P2 | Auth, logging infrastructure |\n| Federation management | 45/100 | P2 | Auth, AP/Nostr |\n| Real-time monitoring | 55/100 | P3 | Auth, WebSocket |\n| Multi-admin RBAC | 60/100 | P3 | Auth system refactor |\n| Webhooks/Automation | 50/100 | P3 | Event system |\n\n**Total MVP Estimate**: 45-50/100 difficulty\n\n---\n\n## Technology Recommendations\n\n### Frontend\n| Option | Pros | Cons |\n|--------|------|------|\n| **Vanilla JS + HTML** | No build step, tiny size, embedded easily | More verbose, less maintainable |\n| **Preact** | React-like, 3KB, good DX | Requires build step |\n| **Svelte** | Compiled, small output, great DX (PocketBase uses this) | Requires build step |\n| **Alpine.js** | No build, declarative, tiny | Less structured for large apps |\n\n**Recommendation**: Alpine.js for MVP (no build step), migrate to Svelte if complexity grows.\n\n### Styling\n| Option | Pros | Cons |\n|--------|------|------|\n| **Pico CSS** | Classless, semantic, tiny (~10KB) | Limited customization |\n| **Tailwind** | Flexible, utility-first | Requires build, larger |\n| **Custom minimal CSS** | Full control, smallest size | More work |\n\n**Recommendation**: Pico CSS for MVP - clean look with zero classes needed.\n\n---\n\n## References\n\n### Self-Hosted Software\n- [Nextcloud Admin Manual](https://docs.nextcloud.com/server/latest/admin_manual/)\n- [Mastodon Admin Documentation](https://docs.joinmastodon.org/admin/)\n- [Gitea Administration](https://docs.gitea.com/category/administration)\n- [Vaultwarden Wiki](https://github.com/dani-garcia/vaultwarden/wiki)\n- [Synapse Admin](https://github.com/etkecc/synapse-admin)\n\n### Web Server Panels\n- [WHM Documentation](https://docs.cpanel.net/whm/)\n- [Cockpit Project](https://cockpit-project.org/)\n- [Webmin Documentation](https://webmin.com/docs/)\n\n### PaaS Platforms\n- [Portainer Documentation](https://docs.portainer.io/)\n- [Coolify Documentation](https://coolify.io/docs/)\n- [CapRover Documentation](https://caprover.com/docs/)\n\n### Modern Backends\n- [PocketBase Documentation](https://pocketbase.io/docs/)\n- [Directus Documentation](https://docs.directus.io/)\n\n### Security Best Practices\n- [OWASP Admin Interface Guidelines](https://owasp.org/www-project-web-security-testing-guide/)\n- [Auth0 RBAC Documentation](https://auth0.com/docs/manage-users/access-control/rbac)\n\n---\n\n## Open Questions\n\n1. Should admin panel be a separate npm package or embedded in main JSS?\n2. Should we support multiple admin accounts from the start, or single admin for MVP?\n3. Should admin auth integrate with the existing IdP or be completely separate?\n4. What's the minimum viable dashboard - just pod list, or full stats?\n5. Should there be a CLI equivalent for all admin panel actions?\n\n---\n\n## Related Issues\n\n- #95 - First-run onboarding wizard (complementary feature)\n\n/cc @maintainers","author":{"url":"https://github.com/melvincarvalho","@type":"Person","name":"melvincarvalho"},"datePublished":"2026-01-19T12:54:19.000Z","interactionStatistic":{"@type":"InteractionCounter","interactionType":"https://schema.org/CommentAction","userInteractionCount":0},"url":"https://github.com/96/JavaScriptSolidServer/issues/96"}