Flash player proxy over SSH
Wednesday November 11, 2009
A simple overview of tools for proxying all your network connections over socks (with a focus on proxying Windows Vista)
Requirements:
0. Some technical knowledge (this spew is all about pointing out a good mix of tools for the Job)
1. SSH access to a strategically positioned host – i.e. part of a decent network and in the right location for whatever GeoIP database you want to get stuffed.
If you have neither of the above, you could try some other proprietary VPN solution (Hotspot Shield and the like)
In short but (hopefully) accurate technical depth, the long and short of it is, flash player doesn’t always obey your proxy settings, so you have to hijack something at the network level. You need an effective socks wrapper to pilfer your packets.
I found a decent guide for linux users, and there’s a box full of tools referenced on wikipedia – the rest of this article concerns windows (up to and including Windows Vista)
0. For windows users, you’ll need to follow some kind of guide to create a socks proxy using putty/ssh, and then download a nifty socks wrapper called widecap
The interface to widecap is a bit daft, so in a nutshell what you need to do is:
1. Add a proxy
2. Add a rule
3. Add a program
I don’t really give a pebbledashing arsewind about Macs or similar architecture, but it’s already half-baked what with readily available ssh and I’m sure the answer to a decent Socks wrapper is out there…
There are also some tools for integrating with TOR instead of your own proxy if that’s your thing.
But in conclusion, isn’t SOCKS just lovely? Instant, no fuss proxying of your network mojo. A thing of beauty is a joy forever and all that poofy drivel.