Dawarich: Enable HTTP Tailscale URL Support

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Dawarich: Enable HTTP Tailscale URL Support

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into a feature request that could significantly enhance Dawarich's flexibility: support for HTTP Tailscale URLs. This is super important because it addresses a specific use case where users want to connect to their Dawarich instances over Tailscale without the hassle of HTTPS. Let's break down why this matters, the challenges involved, and potential solutions.

The Need for HTTP Tailscale URL Support

The main issue here is that Dawarich, by default, prefers secure connections (HTTPS). This is generally a good thing for security, but it can cause headaches in certain setups. Imagine you're running Dawarich in a Docker container on a server, and you're using Tailscale to create a private network. You might want to access Dawarich using a Tailscale hostname like http://srv1.my-tailscale.ts.net:3000. However, you might run into errors like "unsupported URL" or "App Transport Security policy requires the use of a secure connection." This is because Dawarich, or the underlying platform, is trying to enforce HTTPS.

The user who brought this up highlighted a common scenario: they have an Ubuntu server running multiple Docker containers, with Tailscale installed on the host. This setup allows them to access all their containers through a single Tailscale instance. The problem arises when they try to connect to Dawarich using a non-HTTPS Tailscale URL. While they can access the link via their phone's browser (which validates the connection), the Dawarich app throws errors.

Why is this important? Well, not everyone needs or wants to set up HTTPS for their internal Tailscale network. It can add complexity, especially if you're just trying to quickly access your services within your private network. Forcing HTTPS in this scenario can be a barrier, and providing an option to disable the HTTPS check can significantly improve the user experience.

Understanding the Technical Challenges

To really grasp this, let's look at the specific errors the user encountered:

  • srv1.my-tailscale.ts.net:3000 - This results in an "unsupported URL" error, likely because the scheme (http or https) is missing.
  • http://srv1.my-tailscale.ts.net:3000 - This triggers the "App Transport Security" (ATS) policy, which, in a nutshell, requires secure connections. ATS is a feature in iOS and other platforms that enforces HTTPS for network connections.
  • https://srv1.my-tailscale.ts.net:3000 - This fails with a "Could not connect to the server" error because the user doesn't have HTTPS access to the host.

These errors highlight the core issue: Dawarich and the underlying platform are designed to prioritize secure connections. While this is a good default, it doesn't cater to use cases where HTTP over Tailscale is perfectly acceptable (and sometimes even preferred).

Potential Solutions: A Deep Dive

So, how can we solve this? The user suggested an option to manually disable the HTTPS check, and that's a solid starting point. Here's a breakdown of potential solutions and their implications:

1. Implement a Manual HTTPS Override

This is the most straightforward approach. Add a setting in the Dawarich app that allows users to disable HTTPS checks for specific URLs. This could be a simple checkbox or a more granular setting that allows whitelisting specific domains or IP addresses.

Pros:

  • Easy to implement.
  • Provides users with direct control.
  • Addresses the immediate issue.

Cons:

  • Could potentially introduce security risks if not implemented carefully (users might accidentally disable HTTPS in insecure environments).
  • Adds complexity to the app's settings.

2. Tailscale Integration Improvements

Dawarich could potentially detect when it's running within a Tailscale network and automatically relax HTTPS requirements for Tailscale hostnames. This would make the experience smoother for Tailscale users.

Pros:

  • More seamless user experience.
  • Reduces the need for manual configuration.

Cons:

  • More complex to implement (requires detecting the Tailscale environment).
  • Might not cover all use cases (e.g., users might want to use HTTP over Tailscale for only some services).

3. Environment-Specific Configuration

Dawarich could allow users to configure the app's behavior based on the environment. For example, users could specify that HTTPS checks should be disabled when running in a "development" or "Tailscale" environment.

Pros:

  • Flexible and powerful.
  • Allows for fine-grained control.

Cons:

  • More complex to configure.
  • Requires a deeper understanding of the app's configuration options.

4. Certificate Management Enhancements

While the user specifically wants to avoid HTTPS, another approach could be to simplify the process of setting up HTTPS with Tailscale. This might involve providing tools or documentation to help users generate and install TLS certificates for their Tailscale services. Although this doesn't directly address the request for HTTP support, it offers an alternative solution that maintains security.

Pros:

  • Improves overall security posture.
  • Provides a long-term solution.

Cons:

  • More complex for users to set up.
  • Doesn't address the immediate need for HTTP support.

The Trade-offs: Security vs. Flexibility

At the heart of this discussion is the classic trade-off between security and flexibility. Enforcing HTTPS is generally a good security practice, but it can sometimes get in the way of legitimate use cases. The ideal solution is one that provides users with the flexibility they need while minimizing security risks.

Implementing a manual HTTPS override seems like the most practical first step. However, it's crucial to do it carefully. The app should clearly warn users about the potential security implications of disabling HTTPS, and it should provide guidance on when it's safe to do so (e.g., only within a trusted Tailscale network).

Addressing the User's Specific Scenario

The user also mentioned trying a workaround from another discussion, which involved using https://dawarich.my-tailscale.ts.net. While this worked, it broke local network and reverse proxy access to Dawarich, restricting access to only Tailscale. This highlights another important consideration: the solution should not negatively impact other access methods.

Ideally, Dawarich should be accessible via both Tailscale and the local network (or a reverse proxy) simultaneously. This means that any solution should be carefully designed to avoid conflicts or unintended side effects.

Conclusion: Moving Forward

Supporting HTTP Tailscale URLs in Dawarich is a valuable feature that can improve the user experience for those using Tailscale for private networking. While security is paramount, providing a way to bypass HTTPS checks in trusted environments is a reasonable compromise.

The best approach is likely a combination of a manual HTTPS override (with clear warnings) and potential Tailscale integration improvements. This would give users the flexibility they need while minimizing security risks. By carefully considering the trade-offs and potential side effects, Dawarich can become even more user-friendly and versatile.

So, what do you guys think? How should Dawarich best handle this? Let's keep the discussion going!