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PAM_NAMESPACE_HELPER

Section: Linux-PAM Manual (8)
Updated: 02/02/2026
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NAME

pam_namespace_helper - Helper binary that creates home directories

SYNOPSIS

pam_namespace_helper

DESCRIPTION

pam_namespace_helper

is a helper program for the pam_namespace module that sets up a private namespace for a session with polyinstantiated directories. The helper ensures that the namespace mount points exist before they are started to be used for the polyinstantiated directories. Mount points for home directories (lines with $HOME) are not created.

pam_namespace_helper should be run by systemd at system startup. It should also be run by the administrator after defining the polyinstantiated directories but before enabling them.

AUTHOR

Written by Topi Miettinen.