Photon Live Chat Application

A secure, real-time chat application designed to ensure privacy through robust end-to-end encryption, leveraging the power of Qt framework for cross-platform GUI development. OpenSSL is integrated to handle secure communication protocols & cryptographic operations. The application supports instant messaging with a focus on user data protection & seamless performance. Its architecture is built to resist eavesdropping, ensuring confidentiality across all transmitted messages.

Features

• Secure Communication: AES-128-CBC encryption for all messages
• Multi-Client Support: Server handles multiple concurrent connections
• Persistent Chat History: New clients receive previous messages
• Custom Thread Handling: Dedicated threads for each client connection
• Modern GUI: Clean interface with connection status indicators
• Cross-Platform: Built with Qt for Windows/Linux/macOS compatibility

Installation

Prerequisites

• Qt5 Library ( Version >= 5.15)
• OpenSSL development libraries

Build Instructions

git clone https://github.com/TheLeopard65/Photon-Live-Chat-App.git
cd Photon-Live-Chat-App
./install.sh

Usage

Start Server:

./Server

Start Client:

./Client

Client Configuration:

1. Enter server IP address
2. Choose a nickname
3. Click CONNECT
4. Start secure chatting!

Security Implementation

• AES-128-CBC encryption with PKCS#7 padding
• Random IV generation for each message
• Secure key derivation (hardcoded demo key)

Security Note: This implementation uses a hardcoded key for demonstration purposes. For production use:

1. Implement proper key exchange protocol
2. Use environment variables for key storage
3. Consider using TLS for transport security

Project Structure

.
├── Client
│   ├── ChatRoom-client.pro
│   ├── clienttcpsocket.cpp
│   ├── clienttcpsocket.h
│   ├── main.cpp
│   ├── mainwindow.cpp
│   ├── mainwindow.h
│   ├── mainwindow.ui
│   └── Makefile
├── Install.sh
├── LICENSE
├── Makefile
├── Photon-Compiler.pro
├── README.md
├── Requirements.txt
└── Server
    ├── ChatRoom-server.pro
    ├── chatserver.cpp
    ├── chatserver.h
    ├── clienthandlerthread.cpp
    ├── clienthandlerthread.h
    ├── customtcpsocket.cpp
    ├── customtcpsocket.h
    ├── main.cpp
    └── Makefile

3 directories, 23 files

Technical Details

• Network Protocol: Custom TCP-based protocol
• Message Format:

  struct {
      QByteArray iv;
      QByteArray ciphertext;
  } encrypted_message;

• Thread Management: Dedicated QThread per client connection
• Dependencies:
  • QtCore
  • QtNetwork
  • QtWidgets (Client)
  • OpenSSL Crypto Library
• Default Port: 7986

Contributing

We welcome contributions! Please follow these steps:

1. Fork the repository
2. Create your feature branch (git checkout -b feature/awesome)
3. Commit your changes (git commit -am 'Add awesome feature')
4. Push to the branch (git push origin feature/awesome)
5. Open a Pull Request

License

Distributed under MIT License. See LICENSE for more information.