GNU bug report logs - #64807
30.0.50; Editing files using sudo with fprintd hangs

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Message #5 received at submit <at> debbugs.gnu.org (full text, mbox):

From: Theodor Thornhill <theo <at> thornhill.no>
To: bug-gnu-emacs <at> gnu.org 
Subject: 30.0.50; Editing files using sudo with fprintd hangs
Date: Sun, 23 Jul 2023 18:28:34 +0200

Hi Emacs (and Michael, forgive me if this isn't relevant for you)

I'm using Ubuntu on a thinkpad with fingerprint scanner, and have
enabled it to be used when sudo is invoked, setting it in pam.d. Fprintd
is the program (I believe) that checks the fingerprint.

To make the issue a little clearer, I'll show an example that works like
intended in Emacs, and the one that does not.

Both

This works:
1. M-x eshell
2. type "sudo ls" then RET
3. observe that eshell prompts:
  "Place your finger on the fingerprint reader"
4. If fingerprint is wrong or you wait for some period (10 seconds I
believe) it falls back to normal.

See example prompt:

```
$ sudo ls
Place your finger on the fingerprint reader
Cargo.lock  Cargo.toml	src  target
$ sudo ls
Place your finger on the fingerprint reader
Verification timed out
[sudo] password for theodor: 
Cargo.lock  Cargo.toml	src  target
```

This doesn't work as intended:
1. C-x C-f /sudo:Theodor:/ RET
2. Observe that Emacs appears to be hanging
  - the cursor is now spinning, and "C-x o" and friends doesn't work
3. Scan fingerprint
  - all is ok
4. Wait for timeout
  - enter password
  - all is ok

So to sum up - in the eshell case we get some indication to scan the
fingerprint, in the sudo/tramp case we don't. Everything works as it
should, in that verification passes, but the UI is confusing, and it
appears to hang for other commands. C-g works.

Is there some way for Emacs to prompt for the fingerprint to be scanned,
and not to freeze up?

Let me know if I need to provide more information :)

Thanks,
Theo

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