PHP mailer is inoperable. Attempts fail to register via register.php.

# apt-get update
# apt-get upgrade
# apt-get dist-upgrade

OS: Debian GNU/Linux 12 (bookworm) x86_64
Kernel: 6.1.0-15-amd64

Verified PHP mailer is installed. Then reinstalled:

# apt search phpmailer
libphp-phpmailer/stable,now 6.6.3-1 all [installed]

# apt-get install --reinstall libphp-phpmailer

Credentials are configured properly.

Testing with latest pull from gitlab on fresh install.

When trying to register an account I get blank page with just the php
header and no response text and this error in the logs:

[proxy_fcgi:error] [pid 862:tid 140619070342848] [client
174.247.236.58:0] AH01071: Got error 'PHP message: PHP Fatal error:
Uncaught Error: Class "PHPMailer\\PHPMailer\\Exception" not found in
/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/PHPMailer.php:1997\nStack
trace:\n#0 /usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/PHPMailer.php(1662):
PHPMailer\\PHPMailer\\PHPMailer->smtpSend()\n#1
/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/PHPMailer.php(1500):
PHPMailer\\PHPMailer\\PHPMailer->postSend()\n#2
..../common/register.php(383):
PHPMailer\\PHPMailer\\PHPMailer->send()\n#3 {main}\n thrown in
/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/PHPMailer.php on line 1997',
referer: https://rslight.sybershock.com/common/register.php

Nothing shows up in spool/email_registry.dat.

Is there a fallback method for local mail?

--
3883@sugar.bug | sybershock.com | alt.sources.crypto

On Wed, 27 Dec 2023 16:53:09 -0600, SugarBug wrote:

> PHP mailer is inoperable. Attempts fail to register via register.php.
>
> # apt-get update
> # apt-get upgrade
> # apt-get dist-upgrade
>
> OS: Debian GNU/Linux 12 (bookworm) x86_64
> Kernel: 6.1.0-15-amd64
>
> Verified PHP mailer is installed. Then reinstalled:
>
> # apt search phpmailer
> libphp-phpmailer/stable,now 6.6.3-1 all [installed]
>
> # apt-get install --reinstall libphp-phpmailer
>
> Credentials are configured properly.
>
> Testing with latest pull from gitlab on fresh install.
>
> When trying to register an account I get blank page with just the php
> header and no response text and this error in the logs:
>
> [proxy_fcgi:error] [pid 862:tid 140619070342848] [client
> 174.247.236.58:0] AH01071: Got error 'PHP message: PHP Fatal error:
> Uncaught Error: Class "PHPMailer\\PHPMailer\\Exception" not found in
> /usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/PHPMailer.php:1997\nStack
> trace:\n#0 /usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/PHPMailer.php(1662):
> PHPMailer\\PHPMailer\\PHPMailer->smtpSend()\n#1
> /usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/PHPMailer.php(1500):
> PHPMailer\\PHPMailer\\PHPMailer->postSend()\n#2
> .../common/register.php(383):
> PHPMailer\\PHPMailer\\PHPMailer->send()\n#3 {main}\n thrown in
> /usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/PHPMailer.php on line 1997',
> referer: https://rslight.sybershock.com/common/register.php
>
> Nothing shows up in spool/email_registry.dat.
>
> Is there a fallback method for local mail?

Can you post a cleaned up (remove private info) copy of your
$config_dir/phpmailer.inc.php?

Also, can you verify all the files exist that are referenced in that file?

Also, you might try to paste the lines below into your phpmailer.inc.php file:

if(is_file('/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/PHPMailer.php')) {
$phpmailer['phpmailer'] = '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/PHPMailer.php';
$phpmailer['smtp'] = '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/SMTP.php';
} elseif(is_file('/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/class.phpmailer.php')) {
$phpmailer['phpmailer'] = '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/class.phpmailer.php';
$phpmailer['smtp'] = '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/class.smtp.php';
} elseif(is_file('/usr/local/share/phpmailer/class.phpmailer.php')) {
$phpmailer['phpmailer'] = '/usr/local/share/phpmailer/class.phpmailer.php';
$phpmailer['smtp'] = '/usr/local/share/phpmailer/class.smtp.php';
}

REPLACING:

$phpmailer['phpmailer'] = '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/PHPMailer.php';
$phpmailer['smtp'] = '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/SMTP.php';
$phpmailer['exception'] = '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/Exception.php';

The above is running on www.novabbs.com (Debian Bookworm). It's an older version of the file, when phpmailer was in transition (making it a pita to use).

--
Retro Guy

On Thu, 28 Dec 2023 11:56:33 +0000
retro.guy@rocksolidbbs.com (Retro Guy) wrote:

> Also, you might try to paste the lines below into your
> phpmailer.inc.php file:
>
> if(is_file('/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/PHPMailer.php')) {
> $phpmailer['phpmailer'] =
> '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/PHPMailer.php';
> $phpmailer['smtp'] = '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/SMTP.php';
> }
> elseif(is_file('/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/class.phpmailer.php'))
> { $phpmailer['phpmailer'] =
> '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/class.phpmailer.php';
> $phpmailer['smtp'] =
> '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/class.smtp.php'; }
> elseif(is_file('/usr/local/share/phpmailer/class.phpmailer.php')) {
> $phpmailer['phpmailer'] =
> '/usr/local/share/phpmailer/class.phpmailer.php'; $phpmailer['smtp']
> = '/usr/local/share/phpmailer/class.smtp.php'; }
>
> REPLACING:
>
> $phpmailer['phpmailer'] =
> '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/PHPMailer.php';
> $phpmailer['smtp'] = '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/SMTP.php';
> $phpmailer['exception'] =
> '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/Exception.php';
>
> The above is running on www.novabbs.com (Debian Bookworm). It's an
> older version of the file, when phpmailer was in transition (making
> it a pita to use).
>

Nix that. I used the latest commit from devel after a reboot and now the
registration seems to be working now.

--
CRYP7010G3R | Bitizen Koine | The sweet, sweet sugar bug of Khentii
Koine <08a70821a366411b75fb30deeae3d008$1@sybershock.com>
3883@sugar.bug | sybershock.com | alt.sources.crypto

On Thu, 28 Dec 2023 11:56:51 -0600, SugarBug wrote:

> On Thu, 28 Dec 2023 11:56:33 +0000
> retro.guy@rocksolidbbs.com (Retro Guy) wrote:
>
>> Also, you might try to paste the lines below into your
>> phpmailer.inc.php file:
>>
>> if(is_file('/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/PHPMailer.php')) {
>> $phpmailer['phpmailer'] =
>> '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/PHPMailer.php';
>> $phpmailer['smtp'] = '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/SMTP.php';
>> }
>> elseif(is_file('/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/class.phpmailer.php'))
>> { $phpmailer['phpmailer'] =
>> '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/class.phpmailer.php';
>> $phpmailer['smtp'] =
>> '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/class.smtp.php'; }
>> elseif(is_file('/usr/local/share/phpmailer/class.phpmailer.php')) {
>> $phpmailer['phpmailer'] =
>> '/usr/local/share/phpmailer/class.phpmailer.php'; $phpmailer['smtp']
>> = '/usr/local/share/phpmailer/class.smtp.php'; }
>>
>> REPLACING:
>>
>> $phpmailer['phpmailer'] =
>> '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/PHPMailer.php';
>> $phpmailer['smtp'] = '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/SMTP.php';
>> $phpmailer['exception'] =
>> '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/Exception.php';
>>
>> The above is running on www.novabbs.com (Debian Bookworm). It's an
>> older version of the file, when phpmailer was in transition (making
>> it a pita to use).
>>
>
> Nix that. I used the latest commit from devel after a reboot and now the
> registration seems to be working now.

YAY!

On Thu, 28 Dec 2023 11:56:33 +0000
retro.guy@rocksolidbbs.com (Retro Guy) wrote:

> Also, you might try to paste the lines below into your phpmailer.inc.php file:
>
> if(is_file('/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/PHPMailer.php')) {
> $phpmailer['phpmailer'] = '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/PHPMailer.php';
> $phpmailer['smtp'] = '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/SMTP.php';
> } elseif(is_file('/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/class.phpmailer.php')) {
> $phpmailer['phpmailer'] = '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/class.phpmailer.php';
> $phpmailer['smtp'] = '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/class.smtp.php';
> } elseif(is_file('/usr/local/share/phpmailer/class.phpmailer.php')) {
> $phpmailer['phpmailer'] = '/usr/local/share/phpmailer/class.phpmailer.php';
> $phpmailer['smtp'] = '/usr/local/share/phpmailer/class.smtp.php';
> }
>
> REPLACING:
>
> $phpmailer['phpmailer'] = '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/PHPMailer.php';
> $phpmailer['smtp'] = '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/SMTP.php';
> $phpmailer['exception'] = '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/Exception.php';
>
> The above is running on www.novabbs.com (Debian Bookworm). It's an older version of the file, when phpmailer was in transition (making it a pita to use).
>
> --
> Retro Guy

The same problem came back:

This error occurs in server log when registering via register.php:

PHPMailer\\PHPMailer\\PHPMailer->send()\n#4 {main}\n
thrown in /usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/PHPMailer.php on line 2186', referer: ../register.php

libphp-phpmailer is installed.

PHP 8.2 is version.

I reinstalled using upgrade-debian.sh and the problem persists.

I added the replacement lines that you suggested above. Same problem persists.

When I try to register I get a blank page after clicking submit, with just the PHP header and:

"Create account: sybershock"

with NOTHING below that.

It does not matter which smtp port I set in phpmailer.inc.php. The result is the same.

Here is the contents of phpmailer.inc.php with credentials snipped:

<?php
# Server info and credentials for sending email
# (sending mail requires PHPMailer package installed)

if(is_file('/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/PHPMailer.php')) {
$phpmailer['phpmailer'] = '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/PHPMailer.php';
$phpmailer['smtp'] = '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/SMTP.php';
} elseif(is_file('/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/class.phpmailer.php')) {
$phpmailer['phpmailer'] = '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/class.phpmailer.php';
$phpmailer['smtp'] = '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/class.smtp.php';
} elseif(is_file('/usr/local/share/phpmailer/class.phpmailer.php')) {
$phpmailer['phpmailer'] = '/usr/local/share/phpmailer/class.phpmailer.php';
$phpmailer['smtp'] = '/usr/local/share/phpmailer/class.smtp.php';
}

# Custom Headers (you can add multiple)
#$mail_custom_header['X-Custom-Header-Name'] = "header info";

# Display From info
$mail_user = "sybershock.com";
$mail_domain = "sybershock.com";
$mail_name = "sybershock.com";

# Log in info
$mailer = array();
$mailer['host'] = "mail.sybershock.com";
$mailer['port'] = "587";
$mailer['username'] = "<snip>";
$mailer['password'] = "<snip>";

require $phpmailer['phpmailer'];
require $phpmailer['smtp'];
?>

Check for files results:

file: /usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/PHPMailer.php exists.

file: /usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/SMTP.php exists.

file: /usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/class.phpmailer.php: No such file or directory

file: /usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/class.phpmailer.php: No such file or directory

file: /usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/class.smtp.php: No such file or directory

file: /usr/local/share/phpmailer/class.phpmailer.php: No such file or directory

file: /usr/local/share/phpmailer/class.phpmailer.php: No such file or directory

file: /usr/local/share/phpmailer/class.smtp.php: No such file or directory

There is almost nothing predictable or cohesive about PHP, Linux, or the server configs. One version bump can re-arrange everything. This Byzantine mess makes sending simple text messages more tedious than building a skyscraper.

--
SugarBug <3883@sugar.bug> | sybershock.com

On Wed, 14 Feb 2024 15:51:08 -0000 (UTC), SugarBug wrote:

> On Thu, 28 Dec 2023 11:56:33 +0000
> retro.guy@rocksolidbbs.com (Retro Guy) wrote:
>
>> Also, you might try to paste the lines below into your phpmailer.inc.php file:
>>
>> if(is_file('/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/PHPMailer.php')) {
>> $phpmailer['phpmailer'] = '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/PHPMailer.php';
>> $phpmailer['smtp'] = '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/SMTP.php';
>> } elseif(is_file('/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/class.phpmailer.php')) {
>> $phpmailer['phpmailer'] = '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/class.phpmailer.php';
>> $phpmailer['smtp'] = '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/class.smtp.php';
>> } elseif(is_file('/usr/local/share/phpmailer/class.phpmailer.php')) {
>> $phpmailer['phpmailer'] = '/usr/local/share/phpmailer/class.phpmailer.php';
>> $phpmailer['smtp'] = '/usr/local/share/phpmailer/class.smtp.php';
>> }
>>
>> REPLACING:
>>
>> $phpmailer['phpmailer'] = '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/PHPMailer.php';
>> $phpmailer['smtp'] = '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/SMTP.php';
>> $phpmailer['exception'] = '/usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/Exception.php';
>>
>> The above is running on www.novabbs.com (Debian Bookworm). It's an older version of the file, when phpmailer was in transition (making it a pita to use).
>>
>> --
>> Retro Guy
>
> The same problem came back:

I hate phpmailer!
>
> This error occurs in server log when registering via register.php:
>
> PHPMailer\\PHPMailer\\PHPMailer->send()\n#4 {main}\n
> thrown in /usr/share/php/libphp-phpmailer/src/PHPMailer.php on line 2186', referer: ../register.php

This is line 2186 on my copy:
throw new Exception($this->lang('authenticate'));

You might try adding:
require $phpmailer['exception'];

> libphp-phpmailer is installed.
>
> PHP 8.2 is version.

Did you change anything at all from when this worked to when it did not
work? Like update rslight, make changes to mail server, update php,
anything? Just grasping here.

Does your mail server require authentication and if so, is it set properly?

I have made zero changes to phpmailer since we last addressed this, but I
certainly could make a git error (which I don't see atm)

> I reinstalled using upgrade-debian.sh and the problem persists.
>
> I added the replacement lines that you suggested above. Same problem persists.
>
> When I try to register I get a blank page after clicking submit, with just the PHP header and:
>
> "Create account: sybershock"
>
> with NOTHING below that.

That sure sounds like a phpmailer error. I believe it's trying to throw and
excpetion but can not.

> There is almost nothing predictable or cohesive about PHP, Linux, or the server configs. One version bump can re-arrange everything. This Byzantine mess makes sending simple text messages more tedious than building a skyscraper.

phpmailer should be illegal.

On Wed, 14 Feb 2024 09:21:18 -0700
Retro Guy <retroguy@novabbs.org> wrote:

<snip>

> Did you change anything at all from when this worked to when it did not
> work? Like update rslight, make changes to mail server, update php,
> anything? Just grasping here.

Your guess is as good as mine. This system auto-updates daily.

> Does your mail server require authentication and if so, is it set properly?

It sure does. Was not a problem before. {scratches head}
<snip>
> That sure sounds like a phpmailer error. I believe it's trying to throw and
> excpetion but can not.

The exception I get makes no sense and doesn't give me anything to go on. Thanks, PHP!
<snip>

I'm testing with fresh installs to try and suss it out.

--
SugarBug <3883@sugar.bug>

And now the registration phpmailer works on another fresh install from fresh clone.

Wiped git repo and freshly cloned.

Installed.

Works.

Go figure.

--
SugarBug <3883@sugar.bug>

On Wed, 14 Feb 2024 18:09:53 -0000 (UTC)
SugarBug <3883@sugar.bug> wrote:

> And now the registration phpmailer works on another fresh install from fresh clone.
>
> Wiped git repo and freshly cloned.
>
> Installed.
>
> Works.
>
> Go figure.
>
> --
> SugarBug <3883@sugar.bug>

This was my fault here for not checking exim config and log. I was expecting my loose exim config to keep working, but updates made it stricter.

I think that the mail server did not like having just the domain name for all three identifiers in the 'from info'. When I set it to match the same as in authentication credentials the registration messages started working. So it was not phpmailer so much as the mail server telling phpmailer something it didn't like.

From exim log:

rejectlog:2024-02-14 12:48:18 H=(rocksolid.sybershock.com) [127.0.0.1] sender verify fail for <sybershock.com@sybershock.com>: Unrouteable address

It had worked before the other way, without verifying sender from header to auth info. So I did not think to check until just now. The current exim config now rigidly enforces the from header to match auth identity.

--
SugarBug <3883@sugar.bug>