diff --git a/security/BasicAuth.php b/security/BasicAuth.php
index 063176343..9385ac5ae 100755
--- a/security/BasicAuth.php
+++ b/security/BasicAuth.php
@@ -43,6 +43,8 @@ class BasicAuth extends Object {
 			
 			die();
 		}
+		
+		return $member;
 	}
 	
 	static protected $disabled;
diff --git a/security/Security.php b/security/Security.php
index 0e28c395a..1e9ea8a64 100644
--- a/security/Security.php
+++ b/security/Security.php
@@ -118,6 +118,11 @@ class Security extends Controller {
 			return $customisedController->renderWith("Page");
 		}
 	}
+	
+	function basicauthlogin() {
+		$member = BasicAuth::requireLogin("SilverStripe login", 'ADMIN');
+		$member->LogIn();
+	}
 
 	function lostpassword() {
 		Requirements::javascript("jsparty/prototype.js");