Web Hosting Talk : Web Hosting Main Forums : Hosting Security and Technology : Running an exe file from shell command

[dscg]

I need some advice on running an exe file through a shell command on a Windows server.

A potential client wants to create a site that calls an Windows exe executable to generate a custom graphic file for customers. The executable would be called with a shell command in response to a form post by the customer.

I have some basic questions about doing this:

1. I'm assuming shared web host is out of the question. But are there any VPS hosts that I could use for this site, or must I use a dedicated server for this site?

2. How difficult is this to do? Am I heading towards major headaches?

3. What security issues do I need to watch for?

4. Is there anything else I should consider or check on before I take on this site?

Thanks in advice for any advice.

[anon-e-mouse]

Moved to Technical & Security Issues.

[mstrother]

Typically we would never allow a custom EXE on a dedicated server or any type of VPS configuration. On a dedicated server it's obviously a different matter.

The question is what does the script do? For example the PERL or CSCRIPT executables are obviously going to be allowed.

Our servers won't run a .EXE file from a customer's directory and I'd recommend this as good practice.

[dscg]

Thanks Mark,

I have been asking around at some hosting providers and they are also saying that I will need a dedicated server to host the site.

[Sheps]

You would need either a windows host that would allow you to run the EXE, or a windows dedicated server.