How To Install IonCube Loader on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS Print

In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of installing the IonCube Loader on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS. If you're unfamiliar with it, IonCube Loader is a widely-used PHP extension that facilitates the execution of encrypted PHP scripts. This provides PHP developers with a mechanism to shield their source code, preventing unauthorized viewing, alterations, or distribution.

Before diving in, ensure that you have a foundational understanding of Linux, are comfortable using the terminal, and that you manage your website on your own Virtual Private Server (VPS). While the steps outlined here are straightforward, they're based on the assumption that you're operating from the root account. If you're not, you might have to prefix commands with 'sudo' to attain root-level access. This guide specifically details the installation of IonCube Loader on Ubuntu 22.04 (also known as Jammy Jellyfish). However, the steps should be applicable for Ubuntu 22.04 and other Debian-based distros like Linux Mint, Elementary OS, Pop!_OS, and more.

Prerequisites

• A server operating on one of these OS: Ubuntu 22.04, 20.04, or similar Debian-based distributions such as Linux Mint.

• Ideally, commence with a clean OS installation to mitigate potential complications.

• A reliable internet connection is essential to fetch the requisite packages and IonCube Loader dependencies.

• SSH access to your server (or simply use the Terminal if you're operating from a desktop environment).

• An account with sudo privileges or access to the root user. For safety, it's advised to operate as a sudo user rather than the root, to avoid inadvertent system damages.

Installing IonCube Loader on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS Jammy Jellyfish

Step 1: Begin by ensuring all system packages are current. You can do this by executing the given apt commands in your terminal:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
sudo apt install wget apt-transport-https gnupg2 software-properties-common

Step 2: Installing IonCube Loader on Ubuntu 22.04

IonCube is not included in the default repositories of Ubuntu 22.04. To get it, follow the instructions below:

1. Download the Latest Version of IonCube Loader

   Run the following command to fetch the most recent version of the IonCube loader for your Ubuntu system:

   wget https://downloads.ioncube.com/loader_downloads/ioncube_loaders_lin_x86-64.tar.gz

2. Extract the Downloaded File

   Use this command to unpack the file you've just downloaded:

   tar -xvzf ioncube_loaders_lin_x86-64.tar.gz

3. Navigate to the Extracted Directory and List the Files

   To view the extracted files, which are loaders tailored for different PHP versions, navigate to the ioncube directory and list its contents:

   cd ioncube
   ls

   The output should resemble:

   ioncube_loader_lin_7.0.so     ioncube_loader_lin_8.1.so
   ioncube_loader_lin_7.0_ts.so  ioncube_loader_lin_8.1_ts.so

Step 3: Configuring the PHP for IonCube Loader

After obtaining the IonCube Loader, the next step is to move it into the PHP extension directory. The exact location of this directory depends on your PHP installation. Here's how to set it up:

1. Locate the PHP Extension Directory
   Run the command below to determine where your PHP extension directory is located:
   

   php -i | grep extension_dir​

   The output should look something like:

   extension_dir => /usr/lib/php/20230151 => /usr/lib/php/20230151

2. Identify the Active PHP Configuration File
   To know which PHP configuration is currently in use, enter:
   

   php -i | grep php.ini​

   The expected output will be:

   /etc/php/8.1/cli/php.ini (For PHP CLI)
   /etc/php/8.1/apache2/php.ini (For PHP with Apache2)

   Note: If you're using a different PHP version, the path might differ.

3. Edit the php.ini File
   Open your `php.ini` file with a text editor such as nano:

   nano /etc/php/8.1/cli/php.ini

   At the file's end, append this line:

   zend_extension=/usr/lib/php/20230151/ioncube_loader_lin_8.1.so

4. Verify the Installation
   To ensure that PHP is correctly set up with IonCube loader, check the PHP version:
   

   php -v​

   Your output should show:

   PHP 8.1 (cli) (built: Dec 6 2022 11:36:46) ( NTS )
   Copyright (c) The PHP Group
   Zend Engine v3.4.0, Copyright (c) Zend Technologies
   with the ionCube PHP Loader + ionCube24 v10.4.5, Copyright (c) 2002-2020, by ionCube Ltd.
   with Zend OPcache v8.0.3, Copyright (c), by Zend Technologies

Great work! You've successfully installed IonCube on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS Jammy Jellyfish. For further insights or details, it might be helpful to visit the official IonCube website.