End the mnemonic prompt at end of input (closes #78)

term.ReadPassword reads the terminal with a raw read that returns 0
bytes at the end of input and takes that as nothing yet, so Ctrl-D at
the prompt did nothing. On the Unix systems the prompt now sets the
terminal as ReadPassword does and reads the line from standard input,
which reports the end of input; elsewhere, such as Windows, it still
uses ReadPassword. Ctrl-D with nothing typed gives an empty mnemonic,
refused with status 1, and the terminal settings are put back. A test
types Ctrl-D at the prompt on a pseudo-terminal.

Unverified: the prompt was run only on Linux; other systems were built.
Deviation: a Ctrl-H byte is no longer a backspace at the prompt.

Model: opus-5-5
Co-authored-by: clawbot <sneak+clawbot@sneak.cloud>

README.md

@@ -100,7 +100,9 @@ m/83696968'/<app>'/<n>'
   to one tool. Each key type's number is spelled the way BIP-85 spells its own
   RSA application (`828365` is the ASCII codes of `R`, `S`, `A` written out):
   SSH is `838372` (`S` `S` `H`), age is `657169` (`A` `G` `E`).
-- `n` is the key index: flag `--index` / `-n`, default `0`.
+- `n` is the key index, a decimal number: flag `--index` / `-n`, default `0`. A
+  leading zero is still decimal (`-n 010` is index 10); a base prefix, an
+  underscore or a sign (`0x10`, `1_0`, `+1`) is refused.
 
 ## Giving it the mnemonic
 
@@ -114,17 +116,31 @@ order; the first one found wins:
 2. Environment variable `KEYFUNC_MNEMONIC_COMMAND`: the same, as a shell command
    held in the environment.
 3. Environment variable `KEYFUNC_MNEMONIC`: the mnemonic itself.
-4. A prompt on the terminal with echo turned off.
+4. A prompt on the terminal with echo turned off. The mnemonic is what is typed
+   up to Enter, and echo is turned back on once it is read. Ctrl-D with nothing
+   typed ends the prompt at once and leaves the mnemonic empty, so the tool
+   refuses it and exits with status 1. After text has been typed, Ctrl-D has to
+   be pressed twice to end the prompt, and the text typed is the mnemonic.
 
 If none of these is available and standard input is not a terminal, the tool
-refuses and exits with status 1. A mnemonic that fails the BIP-39 checksum is
-refused with a message saying so. Keys are derived from the mnemonic's words
-joined by single spaces, whatever whitespace is around or between them, so one
-word per line, tabs or extra spaces give the same keys.
+refuses and exits with status 1. A mnemonic that is empty, does not have 12, 15,
+18, 21 or 24 words, has a word that is not on the BIP-39 word list, or fails the
+BIP-39 checksum is refused with a message saying which. A word that is not on
+the list is named by its position, never printed. Keys are derived from the
+mnemonic's words joined by single spaces, whatever whitespace is around or
+between them, so one word per line, tabs or extra spaces give the same keys.
+
+The key index, `--words`, the `--to` recipients, the file `age encrypt` or
+`age decrypt` is given to read and its `-o` path are checked before the mnemonic
+is looked for, so a run refused for one of them never prompts for the mnemonic
+or runs the mnemonic command. An `-o` path is refused at that point if it is a
+directory or a symlink to one, if its directory is missing or is not a
+directory, or if it is a symlink that points at nothing.
 
 `KEYFUNC_MNEMONIC` and `KEYFUNC_MNEMONIC_COMMAND` are removed from the
-environment before the system `ssh` (`keyfunc ssh to`) and `sftp`
-(`keyfunc ssh install`) are started, so the mnemonic is never handed on to them.
+environment before the mnemonic command, the system `ssh` (`keyfunc ssh to`) and
+`sftp` (`keyfunc ssh install`) are started, so the mnemonic is never handed on
+to them.
 
 Every command takes `--index` / `-n` and `--mnemonic-command`, and has `--help`.
 `keyfunc --version` prints the version. `make build` stamps it; a binary
@@ -217,11 +233,15 @@ first, or pass `-o StrictHostKeyChecking=accept-new` after `--`.
 
 Derives the key, serves it from an SSH agent that runs inside the tool on a unix
 socket in a new private `0700` temporary directory, then runs the system `ssh`
-with `-o IdentityAgent=<that socket>` followed by the host and all remaining
-arguments unchanged. The tool exits with `ssh`'s exit status and removes the
-socket and directory on the way out. The private key is never written to disk. A
-SIGINT, SIGTERM or SIGHUP ends `ssh` and still removes the socket and directory,
-and the tool then exits with status 1 unless `ssh` reported one of its own.
+with `-o IdentityAgent=<that socket> -o IdentitiesOnly=no` followed by the host
+and all remaining arguments unchanged. Without `IdentitiesOnly=no`, an
+`IdentitiesOnly yes` in the user's `ssh` configuration keeps the derived key
+from being offered. The agent holds no other key, so turning it off adds nothing
+else to what `ssh` offers. The tool exits with `ssh`'s exit status and removes
+the socket and directory on the way out. The private key is never written to
+disk. A SIGINT, SIGTERM or SIGHUP ends `ssh` and still removes the socket and
+directory, and the tool then exits with status 1 unless `ssh` reported one of
+its own.
 
 ## age identities: `keyfunc age`
 
@@ -269,7 +289,9 @@ or a device, such as `/dev/null`, is written to directly.
 
 Decrypts the file (or standard input) with the derived identity. Output goes to
 `-o`, which is treated as for `encrypt`, or standard output. If the identity is
-not one of the recipients, the tool says so and exits with status 1.
+not one of the recipients, the tool says so and exits with status 1. The text
+form needs no flag, and up to 1024 bytes of blank lines in front of it are
+skipped, as `age` skips them.
 
 ## Derived mnemonics: `keyfunc mnemonic`
 

go.mod

@@ -6,9 +6,11 @@ require (
 	filippo.io/age v1.3.2
 	github.com/btcsuite/btcd v0.25.0
 	github.com/btcsuite/btcd/btcutil v1.2.0
+	github.com/creack/pty v1.1.25-0.20260601142114-9246436fffe8 // v1.1.24's Open can return another pty's terminal
 	github.com/spf13/cobra v1.10.2
 	github.com/stretchr/testify v1.12.1
 	golang.org/x/crypto v0.57.0
+	golang.org/x/sys v0.48.0
 	golang.org/x/term v0.46.0
 	sneak.berlin/go/secret v0.0.0-20261007105610-ef0ae90768c8
 )
@@ -22,5 +24,4 @@ require (
 	github.com/kcalvinalvin/anet v0.0.0-20251112173137-d8ddc1f6dbee // indirect
 	github.com/spf13/pflag v1.0.9 // indirect
 	go.yaml.in/yaml/v3 v3.0.5 // indirect
-	golang.org/x/sys v0.48.0 // indirect
 )

go.sum

@@ -13,6 +13,8 @@ github.com/btcsuite/btcd/btcutil v1.2.0/go.mod h1:/Taflm113pYjUpbWKKQEfa6XOtI/+W
 github.com/btcsuite/btcd/chaincfg/chainhash v1.2.0 h1:yMIg99+4aBvqfl/HzJRKfxTX9rGfikoI9uvFzterhc8=
 github.com/btcsuite/btcd/chaincfg/chainhash v1.2.0/go.mod h1:Y72Ren9gfhlEvnwnT78BGcSNO2UMphTKLn9AorF+5rg=
 github.com/cpuguy83/go-md2man/v2 v2.0.6/go.mod h1:oOW0eioCTA6cOiMLiUPZOpcVxMig6NIQQ7OS05n1F4g=
+github.com/creack/pty v1.1.25-0.20260601142114-9246436fffe8 h1:CY3gjC7naqYGLMiywvj3suPfa1i0p/QEr7o8ujxL/2M=
+github.com/creack/pty v1.1.25-0.20260601142114-9246436fffe8/go.mod h1:08sCNb52WyoAwi2QDyzUCTgcvVFhUzewun7wtTfvcwE=
 github.com/davecgh/go-spew v1.1.1 h1:vj9j/u1bqnvCEfJOwUhtlOARqs3+rkHYY13jYWTU97c=
 github.com/davecgh/go-spew v1.1.1/go.mod h1:J7Y8YcW2NihsgmVo/mv3lAwl/skON4iLHjSsI+c5H38=
 github.com/decred/dcrd/dcrec/secp256k1/v4 v4.4.0 h1:NMZiJj8QnKe1LgsbDayM4UoHwbvwDRwnI3hwNaAHRnc=

internal/agekey/agekey.go

@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ package agekey
 
 import (
 	"bufio"
+	"bytes"
 	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"io"
@@ -94,15 +95,12 @@ func (k *Key) Identity() string {
 }
 
 // Encrypt copies src to dst, encrypted to this key and to every extra
-// recipient named, so the same mnemonic can always read it back again.
+// recipient given, so the same mnemonic can always read it back again.
 // Armored output is the text form age also reads.
 func (k *Key) Encrypt(
-	dst io.Writer, src io.Reader, to []string, armored bool,
+	dst io.Writer, src io.Reader, to []age.Recipient, armored bool,
 ) error {
-	all, err := recipients(k.identity.Recipient(), to)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
+	all := append([]age.Recipient{k.identity.Recipient()}, to...)
 
 	out := dst
 
@@ -113,7 +111,7 @@ func (k *Key) Encrypt(
 		out = text
 	}
 
-	err = encrypt(out, src, all)
+	err := encrypt(out, src, all)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
@@ -130,12 +128,12 @@ func (k *Key) Encrypt(
 	return nil
 }
 
-// recipients returns the key's own recipient followed by the ones
-// named on the command line, so what the key encrypts it can read.
-func recipients(mine age.Recipient, to []string) ([]age.Recipient, error) {
-	list := []age.Recipient{mine}
+// Recipients reads the recipients named on the command line, for
+// Encrypt to add to the key's own.
+func Recipients(names []string) ([]age.Recipient, error) {
+	list := make([]age.Recipient, 0, len(names))
 
-	for _, name := range to {
+	for _, name := range names {
 		parsed, err := age.ParseX25519Recipient(name)
 		if err != nil {
 			return nil, fmt.Errorf("reading recipient %q: %w", name, err)
@@ -190,12 +188,18 @@ func (k *Key) Decrypt(dst io.Writer, src io.Reader) error {
 }
 
 // unarmored strips the text form when the input begins with the line
-// that starts one, and leaves binary input alone.
+// that starts one, and leaves binary input alone. Like age, it looks
+// past up to 1024 bytes of whitespace for that line, and the text form
+// reader skips blank lines in front of it.
 func unarmored(src io.Reader) io.Reader {
+	const maxWhitespace = 1024
+
 	buffered := bufio.NewReader(src)
 
-	start, err := buffered.Peek(len(armor.Header))
-	if err == nil && string(start) == armor.Header {
+	// A shorter input gives an error along with all of it, which is
+	// enough to look at.
+	start, _ := buffered.Peek(maxWhitespace + len(armor.Header))
+	if bytes.HasPrefix(bytes.TrimSpace(start), []byte(armor.Header)) {
 		return armor.NewReader(buffered)
 	}
 

internal/agekey/agekey_test.go

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ package agekey_test
 
 import (
 	"bytes"
+	"io"
 	"strings"
 	"testing"
 
@@ -99,6 +100,27 @@ func TestTheArmoredFormIsText(t *testing.T) {
 	))
 }
 
+func TestTheTextFormIsReadWithWhitespaceInFront(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Parallel()
+
+	key := forIndex(t, 0)
+
+	var sealed bytes.Buffer
+
+	err := key.Encrypt(&sealed, strings.NewReader("hello"), nil, true)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	// A blank line and a line of two spaces, as pasting can leave. age
+	// refuses spaces on the first line of the text form itself, and so
+	// does this.
+	pasted := io.MultiReader(strings.NewReader("\n  \n"), &sealed)
+
+	var opened bytes.Buffer
+
+	require.NoError(t, key.Decrypt(&opened, pasted))
+	require.Equal(t, "hello", opened.String())
+}
+
 func TestAFileForSomebodyElseIsRefused(t *testing.T) {
 	t.Parallel()
 
@@ -119,12 +141,12 @@ func TestAnExtraRecipientCanReadItTooAndSoCanTheDerivedOne(t *testing.T) {
 
 	mine, theirs := forIndex(t, 0), forIndex(t, 1)
 
+	to, err := agekey.Recipients([]string{theirs.Recipient()})
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
 	var sealed bytes.Buffer
 
-	err := mine.Encrypt(
-		&sealed, strings.NewReader("hello"),
-		[]string{theirs.Recipient()}, false,
-	)
+	err = mine.Encrypt(&sealed, strings.NewReader("hello"), to, false)
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 
 	for _, key := range []*agekey.Key{mine, theirs} {
@@ -138,10 +160,7 @@ func TestAnExtraRecipientCanReadItTooAndSoCanTheDerivedOne(t *testing.T) {
 func TestARecipientThatIsNotOneIsRefused(t *testing.T) {
 	t.Parallel()
 
-	err := forIndex(t, 0).Encrypt(
-		&bytes.Buffer{}, strings.NewReader("hello"),
-		[]string{"not a recipient"}, false,
-	)
+	_, err := agekey.Recipients([]string{"not a recipient"})
 	require.Error(t, err)
 }
 

internal/childmnemonic/childmnemonic.go

@@ -29,6 +29,17 @@ const DefaultWords = twelve
 // ErrWordCount is returned for a length this tool does not offer.
 var ErrWordCount = errors.New("a child mnemonic has 12, 18 or 24 words")
 
+// CheckWords refuses a length this tool does not offer, so that the
+// command can turn it down before it looks for the mnemonic.
+func CheckWords(words uint32) error {
+	switch words {
+	case twelve, eighteen, twentyFour:
+		return nil
+	default:
+		return fmt.Errorf("%w, not %d", ErrWordCount, words)
+	}
+}
+
 // Derive returns the English child mnemonic of that many words at that
 // key index, taken from the master key with BIP-85's own mnemonic
 // application, number 39. The words come straight from the BIP-85
@@ -38,13 +49,12 @@ func Derive(
 	master *hdkeychain.ExtendedKey,
 	words, index uint32,
 ) (string, error) {
-	switch words {
-	case twelve, eighteen, twentyFour:
-	default:
-		return "", fmt.Errorf("%w, not %d", ErrWordCount, words)
+	err := CheckWords(words)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", err
 	}
 
-	err := derive.CheckIndex(index)
+	err = derive.CheckIndex(index)
 	if err != nil {
 		return "", err
 	}

internal/cli/age/age.go

@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ import (
 	"os"
 	"os/signal"
 	"path/filepath"
+	"syscall"
 
 	"github.com/spf13/cobra"
 	"sneak.berlin/go/keyfunc/internal/agekey"
@@ -108,47 +109,30 @@ func decrypt() *cobra.Command {
 }
 
 // runEncrypt encrypts to the derived recipient and any others given.
+// The recipients are read, the -o path looked at and the input opened
+// before the key is derived, so that a run refused for any of them
+// never asks for the mnemonic.
 func runEncrypt(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
-	key, err := derived(cmd)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-
-	to, err := cmd.Flags().GetStringArray("to")
+	names, err := cmd.Flags().GetStringArray("to")
 	if err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("reading the recipients: %w", err)
 	}
 
+	to, err := agekey.Recipients(names)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+
 	armored, err := cmd.Flags().GetBool("armor")
 	if err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("reading the armor flag: %w", err)
 	}
 
-	return through(cmd, args, func(dst io.Writer, src io.Reader) error {
-		return key.Encrypt(dst, src, to, armored)
-	})
-}
-
-// runDecrypt decrypts with the derived identity.
-func runDecrypt(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
-	key, err := derived(cmd)
+	err = checkOutput(cmd)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 
-	return through(cmd, args, key.Decrypt)
-}
-
-// through opens the input the arguments ask for and hands it to the
-// work, with the file --output names to write to, or the command's own
-// output when it names none or names the same file as that output, and
-// the command's own error output when it names the same file as that.
-// Those two are the streams the tool already has, so whatever they are
-// redirected to is written as the redirect says, never replaced.
-func through(
-	cmd *cobra.Command, args []string,
-	work func(io.Writer, io.Reader) error,
-) error {
 	src, closeSrc, err := input(cmd, args)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
@@ -156,6 +140,49 @@ func through(
 
 	defer closeSrc()
 
+	key, err := derived(cmd)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+
+	return through(cmd, src, func(dst io.Writer, plain io.Reader) error {
+		return key.Encrypt(dst, plain, to, armored)
+	})
+}
+
+// runDecrypt decrypts with the derived identity. The -o path is looked
+// at and the input opened before the key is derived, as for runEncrypt.
+func runDecrypt(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
+	err := checkOutput(cmd)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+
+	src, closeSrc, err := input(cmd, args)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+
+	defer closeSrc()
+
+	key, err := derived(cmd)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+
+	return through(cmd, src, key.Decrypt)
+}
+
+// through hands the input to the work, with the file --output names to
+// write to, or the command's own output when it names none or names the
+// same file as that output, and the command's own error output when it
+// names the same file as that. Those two are the streams the tool
+// already has, so whatever they are redirected to is written as the
+// redirect says, never replaced.
+func through(
+	cmd *cobra.Command, src io.Reader,
+	work func(io.Writer, io.Reader) error,
+) error {
 	name, err := cmd.Flags().GetString("output")
 	if err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("reading the output file: %w", err)
@@ -209,6 +236,52 @@ func input(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) (io.Reader, func(), error) {
 	return file, func() { _ = file.Close() }, nil
 }
 
+// checkOutput refuses an -o path that output could not write to,
+// before anything is written: a directory or a symlink to one, one
+// whose directory is missing or is not a directory, or a symlink that
+// points at nothing. It creates nothing; output looks at the path again
+// when it writes.
+func checkOutput(cmd *cobra.Command) error {
+	name, err := cmd.Flags().GetString("output")
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("reading the output file: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	if name == "" {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	info, err := os.Lstat(name)
+
+	switch {
+	case errors.Is(err, fs.ErrNotExist):
+		// replace makes its new file in this directory. When the
+		// directory is a file instead, os.Lstat has already failed with
+		// ENOTDIR, the case below.
+		directory := filepath.Dir(name)
+
+		_, err = os.Stat(directory)
+		if err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("looking at %s: %w", directory, err)
+		}
+
+		return nil
+	case err != nil:
+		return fmt.Errorf("looking at %s: %w", name, err)
+	case info.Mode().Type() == fs.ModeSymlink:
+		info, err = os.Stat(name)
+		if err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("following %s: %w", name, err)
+		}
+	}
+
+	if info.IsDir() {
+		return fmt.Errorf("writing to %s: %w", name, syscall.EISDIR)
+	}
+
+	return nil
+}
+
 // output has the work write to the named path, going by what is there
 // without following a final symlink:
 //

internal/cli/age_test.go

@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ import (
 	"sneak.berlin/go/keyfunc/internal/agekey"
 	"sneak.berlin/go/keyfunc/internal/cli"
 	"sneak.berlin/go/keyfunc/internal/cli/age"
+	"sneak.berlin/go/keyfunc/internal/derive"
 	"sneak.berlin/go/keyfunc/internal/mnemonic"
 )
 
@@ -69,6 +70,82 @@ func TestAnotherRecipientIsAddedAndTheDerivedOneStays(t *testing.T) {
 	)
 }
 
+// The mnemonic command fails in these runs, so the refusal of the index
+// shows that it was checked before the mnemonic was looked for.
+func TestAnAgeIndexWithNoHardenedChildIsRefused(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Setenv(mnemonic.CommandVariable, failingMnemonicCommand)
+
+	for _, command := range []string{"pub", "priv", "encrypt", "decrypt"} {
+		out, err := execute(t, "age", command, "-n", tooLarge)
+		require.ErrorIs(t, err, derive.ErrIndexTooLarge, command)
+		require.Empty(t, out, command)
+	}
+}
+
+// The mnemonic command fails in this run, so the refusal of the
+// recipient shows that it was read before the mnemonic was looked for.
+func TestAnEncryptionToARecipientThatIsNotOneIsRefused(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Setenv(mnemonic.CommandVariable, failingMnemonicCommand)
+
+	plain := written(t, "notes.txt", "the secret\n")
+
+	out, err := execute(t, "age", "encrypt", "--to", "bogus", plain)
+	require.ErrorContains(t, err, `reading recipient "bogus"`)
+	require.Empty(t, out)
+}
+
+// The mnemonic command fails in these runs, so the refusal of the input
+// file shows that it was opened before the mnemonic was looked for.
+func TestAnInputFileThatCannotBeOpenedIsRefused(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Setenv(mnemonic.CommandVariable, failingMnemonicCommand)
+
+	missing := filepath.Join(t.TempDir(), "missing")
+
+	for _, operation := range []string{"encrypt", "decrypt"} {
+		out, err := execute(t, "age", operation, missing)
+		require.ErrorIs(t, err, fs.ErrNotExist, operation)
+		require.Empty(t, out, operation)
+	}
+}
+
+// The mnemonic command fails in these runs, so the refusal of the -o
+// path shows that it was looked at before the mnemonic was looked for.
+func TestAnOutputPathThatCannotBeWrittenIsRefused(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Setenv(mnemonic.CommandVariable, failingMnemonicCommand)
+
+	plain := written(t, "notes.txt", "the secret\n")
+	directory := t.TempDir()
+	missing := filepath.Join(directory, "missing")
+	dangling := filepath.Join(directory, "dangling")
+	require.NoError(t, os.Symlink(missing, dangling))
+
+	toDirectory := filepath.Join(directory, "to-directory")
+	require.NoError(t, os.Symlink(t.TempDir(), toDirectory))
+
+	refusals := map[string]error{
+		filepath.Join(missing, "notes.age"): fs.ErrNotExist,
+		filepath.Join(plain, "notes.age"):   syscall.ENOTDIR,
+		dangling:                            fs.ErrNotExist,
+		directory:                           syscall.EISDIR,
+		toDirectory:                         syscall.EISDIR,
+	}
+
+	for name, refusal := range refusals {
+		out, err := execute(t, "age", "encrypt", "-o", name, plain)
+		require.ErrorIs(t, err, refusal, name)
+		require.Empty(t, out, name)
+
+		out, err = execute(t, "age", "decrypt", "-o", name, plain)
+		require.ErrorIs(t, err, refusal, name)
+		require.Empty(t, out, name)
+	}
+
+	// Nothing was made beside the two symlinks.
+	left, err := os.ReadDir(directory)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	require.Len(t, left, 2)
+}
+
 func TestAFileForAnotherKeyIsRefused(t *testing.T) {
 	t.Setenv(mnemonic.Variable, example())
 

internal/cli/cli_test.go

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ package cli_test
 
 import (
 	"bytes"
+	"strconv"
 	"strings"
 	"testing"
 
@@ -33,6 +34,14 @@ const (
 	twentyFour = 24
 )
 
+// tooLarge is the smallest key index with no hardened child.
+const tooLarge = "2147483648"
+
+// failingMnemonicCommand fails loudly, so a run that looks for the
+// mnemonic ends with that failure. A run that ends with the refusal of
+// an argument instead shows that the argument was checked first.
+const failingMnemonicCommand = "echo the mnemonic was looked for >&2; exit 1"
+
 // example returns the mnemonic the README gives its test vectors for:
 // eleven abandons and about.
 func example() string {
@@ -98,12 +107,75 @@ func TestThePrivateKeyMatchesThePublicOne(t *testing.T) {
 	require.Equal(t, vectorOne, back)
 }
 
+// The mnemonic command fails in these runs, so the refusal of the index
+// shows that it was checked before the mnemonic was looked for. The age
+// commands have a test of their own.
 func TestAnIndexWithNoHardenedChildIsRefused(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Setenv(mnemonic.CommandVariable, failingMnemonicCommand)
+
+	for _, args := range [][]string{
+		{subcommand, "pub", "-n", tooLarge},
+		{subcommand, "priv", "-n", tooLarge},
+		{subcommand, installing, "-n", tooLarge, host},
+		{subcommand, "to", "-n", tooLarge, host},
+		{"mnemonic", "-n", tooLarge},
+	} {
+		name := strings.Join(args, " ")
+
+		out, err := execute(t, args...)
+		require.ErrorIs(t, err, derive.ErrIndexTooLarge, name)
+		require.Empty(t, out, name)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAnIndexWithALeadingZeroIsDecimal(t *testing.T) {
 	t.Setenv(mnemonic.Variable, example())
 
-	out, err := execute(t, "ssh", "pub", "-n", "2147483648")
-	require.ErrorIs(t, err, derive.ErrIndexTooLarge)
+	line := run(t, "ssh", "pub", "-n", "010")
+	require.Equal(t, run(t, "ssh", "pub", "-n", "10"), line)
+	require.True(t,
+		strings.HasSuffix(strings.TrimSpace(line), " keyfunc/ssh/10"),
+	)
+}
+
+// The mnemonic command in these runs fails, so a refusal naming the
+// flag shows that the number was refused before the mnemonic was
+// looked for.
+func TestAnIndexThatIsNotDecimalDigitsIsRefused(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Parallel()
+
+	for _, index := range []string{"0x10", "1_0", "+1", "-1", ""} {
+		t.Run(index, func(t *testing.T) {
+			t.Parallel()
+
+			out, err := execute(t,
+				"ssh", "pub", "-n", index, "--mnemonic-command", "exit 1",
+			)
+			require.ErrorIs(t, err, strconv.ErrSyntax)
+			require.ErrorContains(t, err, "--index")
 			require.Empty(t, out)
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+// Neither a command group nor --version reads the index, so these
+// show that it is refused while the flags are parsed.
+func TestAnIndexNotInDecimalIsRefusedBeforeAnyCommandRuns(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Parallel()
+
+	for _, args := range [][]string{
+		{"ssh", "-n", "0x10"},
+		{"-n", "0x10", "--version"},
+	} {
+		t.Run(strings.Join(args, " "), func(t *testing.T) {
+			t.Parallel()
+
+			out, err := execute(t, args...)
+			require.ErrorIs(t, err, strconv.ErrSyntax)
+			require.ErrorContains(t, err, "--index")
+			require.Empty(t, out)
+		})
+	}
 }
 
 func TestTheMnemonicCommandIsUsed(t *testing.T) {
@@ -130,14 +202,32 @@ func TestAChildMnemonicIsPrinted(t *testing.T) {
 	require.NotEqual(t, short, next)
 }
 
+// The mnemonic command fails in this run, so the refusal of the length
+// shows that it was checked before the mnemonic was looked for.
 func TestALengthTheToolDoesNotOfferIsRefused(t *testing.T) {
-	t.Setenv(mnemonic.Variable, example())
+	t.Setenv(mnemonic.CommandVariable, failingMnemonicCommand)
 
 	out, err := execute(t, "mnemonic", "--words", "15")
 	require.ErrorIs(t, err, childmnemonic.ErrWordCount)
 	require.Empty(t, out)
 }
 
+func TestTheWordCountIsDecimal(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Setenv(mnemonic.Variable, example())
+
+	words := strings.Fields(run(t, "mnemonic", "--words", "012"))
+	require.Len(t, words, twelve)
+
+	// As for the index, the failing mnemonic command shows that the
+	// number was refused first.
+	out, err := execute(t,
+		"mnemonic", "--words", "0x18", "--mnemonic-command", "exit 1",
+	)
+	require.ErrorIs(t, err, strconv.ErrSyntax)
+	require.ErrorContains(t, err, "--words")
+	require.Empty(t, out)
+}
+
 // run executes the tool with the given arguments and returns what it
 // wrote to standard output.
 func run(t *testing.T, args ...string) string {

internal/cli/mnemonic/mnemonic.go

@@ -31,8 +31,9 @@ func Command() *cobra.Command {
 		},
 	}
 
-	cmd.Flags().Uint32(
-		"words", childmnemonic.DefaultWords,
+	words := options.Decimal(childmnemonic.DefaultWords)
+	cmd.Flags().Var(
+		&words, "words",
 		"how long the child mnemonic is: 12, 18 or 24 words",
 	)
 
@@ -51,6 +52,11 @@ func derived(cmd *cobra.Command) (string, error) {
 		return "", fmt.Errorf("reading the word count: %w", err)
 	}
 
+	err = childmnemonic.CheckWords(words)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
+
 	parent, err := options.Mnemonic(cmd)
 	if err != nil {
 		return "", err

internal/cli/options/options.go

@@ -4,8 +4,10 @@ package options
 
 import (
 	"fmt"
+	"strconv"
 
 	"github.com/spf13/cobra"
+	"sneak.berlin/go/keyfunc/internal/derive"
 	"sneak.berlin/go/keyfunc/internal/mnemonic"
 )
 
@@ -16,19 +18,26 @@ func Add(cmd *cobra.Command) {
 		"mnemonic-command", "",
 		"shell command whose output is the mnemonic",
 	)
-	cmd.PersistentFlags().Uint32P(
-		"index", "n", 0,
+	cmd.PersistentFlags().VarP(
+		new(Decimal), "index", "n",
 		"which key to derive",
 	)
 }
 
-// Index returns the key index the user asked for.
+// Index returns the key index the user asked for, and refuses one above
+// derive.MaxIndex. Every command calls it before it looks for the
+// mnemonic.
 func Index(cmd *cobra.Command) (uint32, error) {
 	index, err := cmd.Flags().GetUint32("index")
 	if err != nil {
 		return 0, fmt.Errorf("reading the index: %w", err)
 	}
 
+	err = derive.CheckIndex(index)
+	if err != nil {
+		return 0, err
+	}
+
 	return index, nil
 }
 
@@ -41,3 +50,33 @@ func Mnemonic(cmd *cobra.Command) (string, error) {
 
 	return mnemonic.Read(cmd.Context(), command)
 }
+
+// Decimal is a flag value for a number written in decimal digits only.
+// The flag library's own uint32 flags read 010 as octal 8 and also
+// take 0x10 or 1_0.
+type Decimal uint32
+
+// String returns the number in decimal digits.
+func (d *Decimal) String() string {
+	return strconv.FormatUint(uint64(*d), 10)
+}
+
+// Set reads text as a decimal number that fits in 32 bits: a leading
+// zero is still decimal, and a base prefix, an underscore or a sign is
+// refused.
+func (d *Decimal) Set(text string) error {
+	number, err := strconv.ParseUint(text, 10, 32)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+
+	*d = Decimal(number)
+
+	return nil
+}
+
+// Type is what --help shows as the flag's type, and what GetUint32
+// checks before it reads the value back.
+func (d *Decimal) Type() string {
+	return "uint32"
+}

internal/cli/prompt_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,83 @@
+package cli_test
+
+import (
+	"bufio"
+	"io"
+	"os"
+	"os/exec"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/creack/pty"
+	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
+	"golang.org/x/term"
+	"sneak.berlin/go/keyfunc/internal/mnemonic"
+)
+
+// TestEndOfInputAtThePromptEndsTheTool runs "age pub" with no mnemonic
+// given and a terminal on all three streams, waits for the prompt, and
+// types Ctrl-D. The tool has to end with status 1, say that the
+// mnemonic is empty, and leave the terminal set as it found it, so with
+// echo on again.
+//
+// pty.Open returns the two ends of a new terminal: tty is the end the
+// tool uses as its terminal, and ptmx the end the test reads what the
+// terminal shows from and types into. Reading ptmx stops at the
+// deadline, so a prompt that never comes fails the test instead of
+// hanging it.
+func TestEndOfInputAtThePromptEndsTheTool(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Setenv(mnemonic.Variable, "")
+	t.Setenv(mnemonic.CommandVariable, "")
+
+	ptmx, tty, err := pty.Open()
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	defer func() { _ = ptmx.Close() }()
+	defer func() { _ = tty.Close() }()
+
+	require.NoError(t, ptmx.SetReadDeadline(time.Now().Add(10*time.Second)))
+
+	before, err := term.GetState(int(tty.Fd()))
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	//nolint:gosec // this test's own binary as the tool
+	command := exec.CommandContext(t.Context(), os.Args[0], "age", "pub")
+
+	command.Env = append(os.Environ(), runAsTool+"=1")
+	command.Stdin = tty
+	command.Stdout = tty
+	command.Stderr = tty
+
+	require.NoError(t, command.Start())
+
+	var (
+		shown string
+		char  byte
+	)
+
+	terminal := bufio.NewReader(ptmx)
+	for !strings.HasSuffix(shown, "mnemonic: ") {
+		char, err = terminal.ReadByte()
+		require.NoError(t, err, "the tool did not prompt: %q", shown)
+
+		shown += string(char)
+	}
+
+	_, err = ptmx.WriteString("\x04") // Ctrl-D
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	waitForTool(t, "Ctrl-D at the prompt", command)
+	require.Equal(t, failedStatus, command.ProcessState.ExitCode())
+
+	after, err := term.GetState(int(tty.Fd()))
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	require.Equal(t, before, after, "the terminal settings were not restored")
+
+	// With the tool ended and this end closed too, ptmx gives what is
+	// left on the terminal and then an error.
+	require.NoError(t, tty.Close())
+
+	said, _ := io.ReadAll(terminal)
+	require.Contains(t, string(said), mnemonic.ErrEmpty.Error())
+}

internal/cli/ssh/install.go

@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ import (
 
 	"github.com/spf13/cobra"
 	"sneak.berlin/go/keyfunc/internal/cli/signals"
+	"sneak.berlin/go/keyfunc/internal/mnemonic"
 )
 
 // Where the key goes on the host and what the file it arrives in is
@@ -220,7 +221,7 @@ func session(
 
 	//nolint:gosec // the options are the user's own, meant for sftp
 	command := exec.CommandContext(cmd.Context(), "sftp", argv...)
-	command.Env = childEnv()
+	command.Env = mnemonic.ChildEnv()
 	command.Stdin = strings.NewReader(strings.Join(batch, "\n") + "\n")
 	command.Stdout = &said
 	command.Stderr = &said

internal/cli/ssh/ssh.go

@@ -3,13 +3,10 @@ package ssh
 
 import (
 	"fmt"
-	"os"
-	"strings"
 
 	"github.com/spf13/cobra"
 	"sneak.berlin/go/keyfunc/internal/cli/options"
 	"sneak.berlin/go/keyfunc/internal/derive"
-	"sneak.berlin/go/keyfunc/internal/mnemonic"
 	"sneak.berlin/go/keyfunc/internal/sshkey"
 )
 
@@ -87,26 +84,6 @@ func write(cmd *cobra.Command, text string) error {
 	return nil
 }
 
-// childEnv is the tool's environment with the mnemonic variables taken
-// out, for the ssh and sftp children it starts. "ssh to" exists so the
-// private key never leaves the tool; the mnemonic, from either variable,
-// must not leave it either.
-func childEnv() []string {
-	environ := os.Environ()
-	kept := make([]string, 0, len(environ))
-
-	for _, entry := range environ {
-		name, _, _ := strings.Cut(entry, "=")
-		if name == mnemonic.Variable || name == mnemonic.CommandVariable {
-			continue
-		}
-
-		kept = append(kept, entry)
-	}
-
-	return kept
-}
-
 // addComment gives a command its comment flag.
 func addComment(cmd *cobra.Command) {
 	cmd.Flags().String(

internal/cli/ssh/to.go

@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ import (
 
 	"github.com/spf13/cobra"
 	"sneak.berlin/go/keyfunc/internal/cli/signals"
+	"sneak.berlin/go/keyfunc/internal/mnemonic"
 )
 
 // StatusError says the tool should end with the status ssh ended with.
@@ -57,8 +58,13 @@ func to() *cobra.Command {
 
 			defer served.Stop()
 
+			// IdentitiesOnly yes in the user's ssh configuration
+			// would keep the agent's key from being offered. The
+			// agent holds only the derived key, so turning it off
+			// adds no other key.
 			argv := slices.Concat([]string{
 				"-o", "IdentityAgent=" + served.Socket(),
+				"-o", "IdentitiesOnly=no",
 			}, args)
 
 			return connect(ctx, argv)
@@ -79,7 +85,7 @@ func to() *cobra.Command {
 func connect(ctx context.Context, argv []string) error {
 	//nolint:gosec // the arguments are the user's own, meant for ssh
 	command := exec.CommandContext(ctx, "ssh", argv...)
-	command.Env = childEnv()
+	command.Env = mnemonic.ChildEnv()
 	command.Stdin = os.Stdin
 	command.Stdout = os.Stdout
 	command.Stderr = os.Stderr

internal/cli/ssh_test.go

@@ -587,7 +587,7 @@ func TestSSHIsPointedAtTheAgentAndItsStatusIsHandedOn(t *testing.T) {
 
 	given := recorded(t, arguments)
 	require.Equal(t, "-o", given[0])
-	require.Equal(t, []string{host, remoteCommand}, given[2:])
+	require.Equal(t, []string{host, remoteCommand}, given[4:])
 
 	// The stand-in wrote the path down only because there really was
 	// a socket there while it ran.
@@ -596,6 +596,26 @@ func TestSSHIsPointedAtTheAgentAndItsStatusIsHandedOn(t *testing.T) {
 	require.NoDirExists(t, filepath.Dir(socket))
 }
 
+func TestIdentitiesOnlyIsTurnedOffBeforeTheHost(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Setenv(mnemonic.Variable, example())
+
+	arguments, _ := pretendCall(t)
+
+	_, err := execute(t, subcommand, "to", host, remoteCommand)
+
+	var passed ssh.StatusError
+
+	require.ErrorAs(t, err, &passed)
+
+	// IdentitiesOnly yes in the user's ssh configuration keeps ssh
+	// from offering the agent's key. An option given before the host
+	// wins over the configuration.
+	given := recorded(t, arguments)
+	require.Equal(t,
+		[]string{"-o", "IdentitiesOnly=no", host, remoteCommand}, given[2:],
+	)
+}
+
 func TestTheToolEndsWithTheStatusSSHEndedWith(t *testing.T) {
 	t.Setenv(mnemonic.Variable, example())
 

internal/mnemonic/mnemonic.go

@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ import (
 	"fmt"
 	"os"
 	"os/exec"
+	"slices"
 	"strings"
 
 	"golang.org/x/term"
@@ -29,6 +30,28 @@ var ErrMissing = errors.New(
 	"no mnemonic given and standard input is not a terminal",
 )
 
+// The lengths a BIP-39 mnemonic may have.
+const (
+	twelve     = 12
+	fifteen    = 15
+	eighteen   = 18
+	twentyOne  = 21
+	twentyFour = 24
+)
+
+// ErrEmpty is returned for a mnemonic with no words in it, such as the
+// output of a mnemonic command that printed nothing.
+var ErrEmpty = errors.New("the mnemonic is empty")
+
+// ErrWordCount is returned for a mnemonic with a number of words that
+// BIP-39 does not allow.
+var ErrWordCount = errors.New("a mnemonic has 12, 15, 18, 21 or 24 words")
+
+// ErrUnknownWord is returned for a mnemonic with a word that is not on
+// the BIP-39 English word list. The error gives the word's position,
+// never the word, so the mnemonic stays out of the message.
+var ErrUnknownWord = errors.New("not on the BIP-39 word list")
+
 // ErrChecksum is returned for a mnemonic that fails the BIP-39
 // checksum.
 var ErrChecksum = errors.New("the mnemonic fails its BIP-39 checksum")
@@ -63,6 +86,7 @@ func Read(ctx context.Context, command string) (string, error) {
 func run(ctx context.Context, command string) (string, error) {
 	//nolint:gosec // running the user's own command is the point
 	shell := exec.CommandContext(ctx, "sh", "-c", command)
+	shell.Env = ChildEnv()
 
 	var complaint bytes.Buffer
 
@@ -83,6 +107,25 @@ func run(ctx context.Context, command string) (string, error) {
 	return string(out), nil
 }
 
+// ChildEnv is the tool's environment with the mnemonic variables taken
+// out, for the programs the tool starts: the mnemonic command, ssh and
+// sftp. The mnemonic, from either variable, never leaves the tool.
+func ChildEnv() []string {
+	environ := os.Environ()
+	kept := make([]string, 0, len(environ))
+
+	for _, entry := range environ {
+		name, _, _ := strings.Cut(entry, "=")
+		if name == Variable || name == CommandVariable {
+			continue
+		}
+
+		kept = append(kept, entry)
+	}
+
+	return kept
+}
+
 // ask prompts on the terminal with echo turned off.
 func ask() (string, error) {
 	fd := int(os.Stdin.Fd())
@@ -93,7 +136,7 @@ func ask() (string, error) {
 
 	fmt.Fprint(os.Stderr, "mnemonic: ")
 
-	typed, err := term.ReadPassword(fd)
+	typed, err := readWithoutEcho()
 
 	fmt.Fprintln(os.Stderr)
 
@@ -101,18 +144,39 @@ func ask() (string, error) {
 		return "", fmt.Errorf("reading the mnemonic: %w", err)
 	}
 
-	return checked(string(typed))
+	return checked(typed)
 }
 
 // checked joins the words with single spaces, whatever whitespace
 // separated them, since the seed is computed over the string itself,
-// and refuses a mnemonic that does not pass the BIP-39 checksum.
-func checked(words string) (string, error) {
-	words = strings.Join(strings.Fields(words), " ")
+// and refuses a mnemonic that is not a valid BIP-39 mnemonic, with an
+// error that says what is wrong with it.
+func checked(text string) (string, error) {
+	words := strings.Fields(text)
 
-	if !bip39.IsMnemonicValid(words) {
+	switch len(words) {
+	case 0:
+		return "", ErrEmpty
+	case twelve, fifteen, eighteen, twentyOne, twentyFour:
+	default:
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("%w, not %d", ErrWordCount, len(words))
+	}
+
+	wordList := bip39.English()
+
+	for i, word := range words {
+		if !slices.Contains(wordList, word) {
+			return "", fmt.Errorf(
+				"word %d of the mnemonic is %w", i+1, ErrUnknownWord,
+			)
+		}
+	}
+
+	joined := strings.Join(words, " ")
+
+	if !bip39.IsMnemonicValid(joined) {
 		return "", ErrChecksum
 	}
 
-	return words, nil
+	return joined, nil
 }

internal/mnemonic/mnemonic_test.go

@@ -1,6 +1,8 @@
 package mnemonic_test
 
 import (
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
 	"strings"
 	"testing"
 
@@ -61,6 +63,31 @@ func TestTheMnemonicInTheEnvironmentComesLast(t *testing.T) {
 	require.Equal(t, fromVariable, words)
 }
 
+func TestTheMnemonicIsNotHandedToTheCommand(t *testing.T) {
+	const marker = "KEYFUNC_TEST_MARKER"
+
+	t.Setenv(mnemonic.CommandVariable, prints(fromCommandVariable))
+	t.Setenv(mnemonic.Variable, fromVariable)
+	t.Setenv(marker, "reaches the command")
+
+	path := filepath.Join(t.TempDir(), "environment")
+
+	words, err := mnemonic.Read(
+		t.Context(), "env > '"+path+"'; "+prints(example()),
+	)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	require.Equal(t, example(), words)
+
+	//nolint:gosec // the path is a temporary file of the test's own
+	content, err := os.ReadFile(path)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	environment := string(content)
+	require.NotContains(t, environment, mnemonic.Variable+"=")
+	require.NotContains(t, environment, mnemonic.CommandVariable+"=")
+	require.Contains(t, environment, marker+"=")
+}
+
 func TestAFailingCommandSaysWhatWentWrong(t *testing.T) {
 	t.Setenv(mnemonic.CommandVariable, "")
 	t.Setenv(mnemonic.Variable, "")
@@ -70,6 +97,27 @@ func TestAFailingCommandSaysWhatWentWrong(t *testing.T) {
 	require.Contains(t, err.Error(), "nothing here")
 }
 
+func TestValidMnemonicsOf15To24WordsAreAccepted(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Setenv(mnemonic.CommandVariable, "")
+
+	// abandon repeated, then the last word that makes the checksum
+	// match: 15, 18, 21 and 24 words.
+	valid := []string{
+		strings.Repeat("abandon ", 14) + "address",
+		strings.Repeat("abandon ", 17) + "agent",
+		strings.Repeat("abandon ", 20) + "admit",
+		strings.Repeat("abandon ", 23) + "art",
+	}
+
+	for _, words := range valid {
+		t.Setenv(mnemonic.Variable, words)
+
+		got, err := mnemonic.Read(t.Context(), "")
+		require.NoError(t, err)
+		require.Equal(t, words, got)
+	}
+}
+
 func TestABadChecksumIsRefused(t *testing.T) {
 	t.Setenv(mnemonic.CommandVariable, "")
 	t.Setenv(mnemonic.Variable, broken())
@@ -78,6 +126,38 @@ func TestABadChecksumIsRefused(t *testing.T) {
 	require.ErrorIs(t, err, mnemonic.ErrChecksum)
 }
 
+func TestACommandThatPrintsNothingGivesAnEmptyMnemonic(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Setenv(mnemonic.CommandVariable, "")
+	t.Setenv(mnemonic.Variable, "")
+
+	_, err := mnemonic.Read(t.Context(), "true")
+	require.ErrorIs(t, err, mnemonic.ErrEmpty)
+	require.NotContains(t, err.Error(), "checksum")
+}
+
+func TestAWrongWordCountIsRefused(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Setenv(mnemonic.CommandVariable, "")
+	t.Setenv(mnemonic.Variable, strings.Repeat("abandon ", 3))
+
+	_, err := mnemonic.Read(t.Context(), "")
+	require.ErrorIs(t, err, mnemonic.ErrWordCount)
+	require.ErrorContains(t, err, "not 3")
+	require.NotContains(t, err.Error(), "checksum")
+}
+
+func TestAWordNotOnTheListIsNamedByPositionOnly(t *testing.T) {
+	const typo = "abuot"
+
+	t.Setenv(mnemonic.CommandVariable, "")
+	t.Setenv(mnemonic.Variable, strings.Repeat("abandon ", 11)+typo)
+
+	_, err := mnemonic.Read(t.Context(), "")
+	require.ErrorIs(t, err, mnemonic.ErrUnknownWord)
+	require.ErrorContains(t, err, "word 12 ")
+	require.NotContains(t, err.Error(), typo)
+	require.NotContains(t, err.Error(), "checksum")
+}
+
 func TestNothingToReadAndNobodyToAsk(t *testing.T) {
 	t.Setenv(mnemonic.CommandVariable, "")
 	t.Setenv(mnemonic.Variable, "")

internal/mnemonic/prompt_notunix.go

@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+//go:build !aix && !darwin && !dragonfly && !freebsd && !linux && !netbsd && !openbsd && !solaris && !zos
+
+package mnemonic
+
+import (
+	"os"
+
+	"golang.org/x/term"
+)
+
+// readWithoutEcho reads one line from the terminal on standard input
+// with echo turned off, through term.ReadPassword, on the systems
+// prompt_unix.go is not built for, such as Windows.
+func readWithoutEcho() (string, error) {
+	typed, err := term.ReadPassword(int(os.Stdin.Fd()))
+
+	return string(typed), err
+}

internal/mnemonic/prompt_unix.go

@@ -0,0 +1,48 @@
+//go:build aix || darwin || dragonfly || freebsd || linux || netbsd || openbsd || solaris || zos
+
+package mnemonic
+
+import (
+	"bufio"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"io"
+	"os"
+
+	"golang.org/x/sys/unix"
+)
+
+// readWithoutEcho reads one line from the terminal on standard input
+// with echo turned off. The line ends at a newline or at the end of
+// input (Ctrl-D). The terminal is set as term.ReadPassword sets it;
+// ReadPassword itself is not used here because it never sees the end
+// of input and goes on waiting.
+func readWithoutEcho() (string, error) {
+	fd := int(os.Stdin.Fd())
+
+	settings, err := unix.IoctlGetTermios(fd, ioctlReadTermios)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("reading the terminal settings: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	hidden := *settings
+	hidden.Lflag &^= unix.ECHO
+	hidden.Lflag |= unix.ICANON | unix.ISIG
+	hidden.Iflag |= unix.ICRNL
+
+	err = unix.IoctlSetTermios(fd, ioctlWriteTermios, &hidden)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("turning echo off: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	defer func() { _ = unix.IoctlSetTermios(fd, ioctlWriteTermios, settings) }()
+
+	// With ICANON set, a read from the terminal returns at most one
+	// line, so the buffer takes nothing past the newline.
+	typed, err := bufio.NewReader(os.Stdin).ReadString('\n')
+	if errors.Is(err, io.EOF) {
+		return typed, nil
+	}
+
+	return typed, err
+}

internal/mnemonic/termios_bsd.go

@@ -0,0 +1,12 @@
+//go:build darwin || dragonfly || freebsd || netbsd || openbsd
+
+package mnemonic
+
+import "golang.org/x/sys/unix"
+
+// The requests that read and set the terminal settings, as
+// golang.org/x/term names them.
+const (
+	ioctlReadTermios  = unix.TIOCGETA
+	ioctlWriteTermios = unix.TIOCSETA
+)

internal/mnemonic/termios_other.go

@@ -0,0 +1,12 @@
+//go:build aix || linux || solaris || zos
+
+package mnemonic
+
+import "golang.org/x/sys/unix"
+
+// The requests that read and set the terminal settings, as
+// golang.org/x/term names them.
+const (
+	ioctlReadTermios  = unix.TCGETS
+	ioctlWriteTermios = unix.TCSETS
+)