Christian WellsKeeWeb on Debian 12 – A Lightweight, Secure Password Manager with KeePass Compatibility
KeeWeb is a free, open-source password manager designed to work with KeePass .kdbx files. It is available as both a desktop application (based on Electron) and a self-hosted web app. On Debian 12, KeeWeb benefits from the system’s stability, security, and long-term support — making it suitable for personal and organizational use.
Architecture and Features
KeeWeb operates as a client-side encrypted manager with no backend database. Key features include:
- Support for KeePass
.kdbxv3/v4 - Offline use by default (no cloud lock-in)
- Optional cloud sync (WebDAV, Dropbox)
- Cross-platform: Linux, Windows, macOS
- Native Electron app and web interface
- Plugin support for themes, password strength, and integrations
It does not require a server or database unless deployed in web mode.
System Compatibility on Debian 12
| Component | Status |
|---|---|
| Electron Runtime | Supported via .deb, AppImage, Flatpak |
| Desktop Integration | GNOME, KDE, XFCE (fully compatible) |
| Filesystem Access | Supports mounting remote .kdbx files |
| Web Server Hosting | Compatible with Apache, Nginx |
| WebAssembly Support | Enabled in Chromium and Firefox ESR |
| GNOME Keyring Access | Can be configured via shell scripts |
KeeWeb runs without elevated privileges and uses the local file system or mounted cloud directories.
Security and Encryption Model
KeeWeb follows a zero-knowledge design:
- All data stays on the client unless synced
- Uses KeePass’s AES-256 encryption standard
- Supports PBKDF2, AES-KDF, and Argon2id
- Compatible with keyfile + password dual authentication
- No telemetry or third-party tracking
Debian 12’s default AppArmor profiles and modern Linux kernel 6.1 further strengthen KeeWeb’s runtime security, especially when run as a web app behind a local web server.
Deployment Models on Debian 12
- Desktop Application (Electron)
- Runs as a standalone
.debpackage or AppImage - Ideal for local password vaults or encrypted USB setups
- Runs as a standalone
- Web Application (Self-Hosted)
- Hosted via Apache/Nginx
- Files served as static HTML/JS with optional WebDAV cloud sync
- No server-side processing
- USB-Based Portability
- Store
.kdbxand KeeWeb AppImage on the same device - Secure air-gapped usage
- Store
- Browser Companion Mode
- Combine KeeWeb with browser plugins or scripts for autofill
- Optional integration with KeeWebConnect (unofficial)
File Format and Integration
KeeWeb supports:
- KeePass
.kdbxv3 & v4 - Opening files via:
- Local file manager
- Mounted drives (Nextcloud, Samba, Google Drive via
rclone) - WebDAV or Dropbox links
- Inline attachments, custom icons, and file backup history
KeeWeb is fully compatible with other KeePass-based tools like KeePassXC, Strongbox, and KeePass2Android.
Comparison with Alternatives
| Feature | KeeWeb | KeePassXC | Bitwarden (Self-Hosted) | Vaultwarden |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KeePass Format | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Web App Option | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Offline Capability | Full | Full | Partial (requires server) | Partial |
| Database Backend | None (.kdbx) | None (.kdbx) | PostgreSQL | SQLite |
| Multi-user Sharing | Manual (file) | Manual (file) | Built-in | Built-in |
| Server Required | No | No | Yes | Yes |
KeeWeb is particularly suited for:
- Lightweight, secure vaults
- Team workflows with
.kdbxfile sharing over Nextcloud/WebDAV - Low-maintenance deployments (no backend needed)
Running KeeWeb on Debian 12 offers:
- Seamless desktop or web usage with KeePass file format support
- High-level cryptographic security using AES and Argon2id
- No backend dependencies, making it ideal for secure offline environments
- Optional cloud sync via trusted platforms like Nextcloud or Dropbox
- A stable and hardened Linux foundation for both individual and small team workflows
Step 1: Deploy a Debian 12 Server on Shape.Host
Before you begin, set up a VPS using Shape.Host:
Sign in at https://shape.host.
Click “Create” and select “Instance”.
Choose a data center near your users.
Choose Debian 12 (64-bit) as the operating system.
Select a plan with at least 1 CPU, 1 GB RAM, and 10 GB SSD.
Click “Create Instance”.
Copy the IP address and root credentials for SSH access.
Step 2: Connect to Your Debian Server
From Linux/macOS:
ssh root@your-server-ip
From Windows:
Use PuTTY and connect to:
root@your-server-ip
Step 3: Install Docker on Debian 12
3.1 Update Package List
apt update
3.2 Install Required Dependencies
apt install apt-transport-https ca-certificates curl software-properties-common gnupg2 unzip git
3.3 Create Keyring Directory
install -m 0755 -d /etc/apt/keyrings
3.4 Add Docker’s GPG Key
curl -fsSL https://download.docker.com/linux/debian/gpg -o /etc/apt/keyrings/docker.asc
chmod a+r /etc/apt/keyrings/docker.asc
3.5 Add Docker Repository
echo "deb [arch=$(dpkg --print-architecture) signed-by=/etc/apt/keyrings/docker.asc] https://download.docker.com/linux/debian \
$(. /etc/os-release && echo "$VERSION_CODENAME") stable" | tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/docker.list > /dev/null
3.6 Update Repositories
apt update
3.7 Install Docker Engine
apt install docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io docker-buildx-plugin docker-compose-plugin
3.8 Test Docker Installation
docker run hello-world
If successful, you’ll see a message confirming Docker is working.
Step 4: Run KeeWeb in Docker
Launch the KeeWeb container:
docker run --name keeweb -d -p 80:80 -p 443:443 antelle/keeweb
This command:
- Runs KeeWeb in the background (
-d) - Maps ports 80 and 443 from the container to the host
- Uses the official KeeWeb Docker image
Step 5: Access KeeWeb
Open your browser and go to:
http://your-server-ip
You should see the KeeWeb web interface. You can now upload .kdbx password databases and manage your credentials securely.
You’ve successfully installed KeeWeb on Debian 12 using Docker. KeeWeb provides a simple, elegant interface to manage encrypted KeePass-compatible password databases, all from your own server.
To ensure uptime, speed, and scalability, run your self-hosted apps with Shape.Host.
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