ReAIM - AOL Instant Messenger Proxy
+What is ReAIM ?
+ +ReAIM is a compact transparent proxy designed to be run on or behind a +Linux IPTables based firewall. When run behind a simple address-translating +firewall, the current AIM client software does not allow direct-connections +between users to work. AIM requires direct-connections for file and image +transfers.
+ +This proxy is designed to transparently intercept AIM client messages +and pass them through a configurable filter/rewrite chain. This allows +selective modification of the source address provided in direct-connection +setup packets, and so remote users can be told to use the global internet +routable address, rather than the actual IP address of the client on the +local network.
+ +I have written a basic introduction to how the +AIM software sends messages, and the problems it encounters with address +translation and firewalls. It's worth looking over for a top level +overview if the previous paragraph didn't make a lot of sense.
+ +Because the code seemed to be coming together nicely in a +modular structure, I've added in support for MS Messenger's file transfer +in a very similar way!
+ +Current Status
+ +The current code is alpha quality. This means that it works for me, +but has many rough edges and plenty of things still to finish and properly +design.
+ +I regularly use the proxy for AIM messaging and file +sharing. It also has preliminary support for MS Messenger file +transfers.
+ +Download
+ +The File +List page at sourceforge holds links to all the released code. In +general you should use the most recent release, and if you are having +trouble with an earlier release, please try the latest before filling out +a bug report.
+ +Configuration
+ +I have written a basic overview for setting up the +appropriate firewall rules. Included in the distribution is a +sample firewall setup script.
+ +CVS
+ +The current code can be downloaded from the CVS server at +sourceforge in the usual way. Instructions are available here.
+ +Credits
+ +My thanks to everyone that has worked on decoding the OSCAR protocol +used by AIM. Without your work, this program would have taken much longer +to produce.
+ +To the Linux Hackers for providing transparent port interception and +redirection - way to go! iptables is an incredibly powerful framework.
+ +To my friends who introduced me to instant messaging, and +the problems which exist in the current clients and their handling of +firewalls and address translation.
+ +Contacting The Author
+ +My name is Tyler Dur...err, I mean Mark Cooke. Bugs, +comments, feedback can be sent to me at +mark-c@users.sourceforge.net
+ ++