ThreeStar wrote:

> Sounds like a problem with the command file (/tmp/ftp.$$). Post
> that. From the "Not connected" errors I'm guessing it's a problem
> with establishing user credentials. Are you able to FTP interactively
> to the host from this box?
>
> BTW if this script is designed to run in a particular context I'd
> use .netrc files to contain the user name and password instead of
> echoing them in the script. It's somewhat more secure, makes the
> password easier to change, and simplifies your script.
>
> Better yet is SCP, but you didn't ask about that.
>
> R Robert
> *** Software

SCP is *AWFUL* for this sort of thing. It mishandles symlinks, and SCP or SFTP
access provides user access to the rest of the server's file system, with the
user's normal privileges. That presents a real security issue.

I'm a big proponent of WebDAV over HTTPS fur just this sort of thing, and for
rsync over SSH with a restricted validation script as needed.