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CkPython

IMAP SSH Tunneling (Port Forwarding)

Demonstrates how to setup and use an SSH tunnel for IMAP.

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CkPython
import sys
import chilkat

success = False

# This example assumes the Chilkat API to have been previously unlocked.
# See Global Unlock Sample for sample code.

imap = chilkat.CkImap()

# The SSH hostname may be a hostname or an 
# IP address, such as "192.168.1.108".
# The port is typically 22 (the standard port for SSH).
sshHostname = "www.mysshserver.com"
sshPort = 22

# Connect to an SSH server and establish the SSH tunnel:
success = imap.SshOpenTunnel(sshHostname,sshPort)
if (success == False):
    print(imap.lastErrorText())
    sys.exit()

# Authenticate with the SSH server via a login/password
# or with a public key.
# This example demonstrates SSH password authentication.
# Note: This is not authenticating with the IMAP server, it is
# for authenticating with the SSH server, which is separate.
success = imap.SshAuthenticatePw("mySshLogin","mySshPassword")
if (success == False):
    print(imap.lastErrorText())
    sys.exit()

# OK, the SSH tunnel is setup.  The IMAP component may
# be used exactly the same as usual, except all communications
# are sent through the SSH tunnel.

# Connect to an IMAP server via the SSH tunnel.
# Because the SSH tunnel has been previously setup,
# this does not establish a direct connection with the IMAP
# server.  It directs the SSH server to establish the connection.

# In this example, the IMAP server requires SSL/TLS.  The TLS connection
# will be enclosed within the SSH tunnel.
imap.put_Ssl(True)
imap.put_Port(993)
success = imap.Connect("imap.my-imap-server.com")
if (success == False):
    print(imap.lastErrorText())
    sys.exit()

# Authenticate with the IMAP server via the SSH tunnel.
success = imap.Login("myLogin","myPassword")
if (success == False):
    print(imap.lastErrorText())
    sys.exit()

# Select an IMAP mailbox
success = imap.SelectMailbox("Inbox")
if (success == False):
    print(imap.lastErrorText())
    sys.exit()

# How many messages in Inbox?
msgCount = imap.get_NumMessages()
if (msgCount == 0):
    print("No messages found.")
    sys.exit()

upperBound = 10
if (msgCount < upperBound):
    upperBound = msgCount

# Download up to the 1st 10 messages.
email = chilkat.CkEmail()

bUid = False
for i in range(1,(upperBound)-1):

    success = imap.FetchEmail(False,i,bUid,email)
    if (success == False):
        print(imap.lastErrorText())
        sys.exit()

    print(email.ck_from())
    print(email.subject())
    print("----")

# Disconnect from the IMAP server.
# The SSH tunnel remains open.
success = imap.Disconnect()
if (success == False):
    print(imap.lastErrorText())
    sys.exit()

# It is possible to re-use the existing SSH tunnel for the next connection:
success = imap.Connect("imap.my-imap-server2.com")
if (success == False):
    print(imap.lastErrorText())
    sys.exit()

# Review the LastErrorText to see that the connection was made via the SSH tunnel:
print(imap.lastErrorText())

success = imap.Disconnect()
if (success == False):
    print(imap.lastErrorText())
    sys.exit()

# Finally, close the SSH tunnel.
success = imap.SshCloseTunnel()
if (success == False):
    print(imap.lastErrorText())
    sys.exit()

print("IMAP SSH tunneling example completed.")