Committer SSH Access

Apache uses SSH (a cryptographic protocol for operating services securely over an unsecured network) to let committers access their project VMs (if configured).

Remember to keep your client up to date with security patches. Pay close attention to any known host warnings.

Contents

Using OpenSSH to connect to Apache

OpenSSH is a widely used and trusted suite of software using the SSH family of protocols.

Configuring OpenSSH to use SSH2 (*nix)

The OpenSSH client uses by default configuration files in the ~/.ssh directory. The main configuration file is ~/.ssh/config and is optional. It may exist already. If it does not, you can create it in a simple text format. Group together instructions for a particular host (or group of hosts). Here is a suggested basic configuration:

<pre>
# Apply to all hosts

# Alternatively replace with: 

#Host \*.apache.org
Host \*
  FallBackToRsh no
  Protocol 2,1
</pre>

Many other options are available.

Debugging an OpenSSH client connection

To diagnose what's going wrong with an OpenSSH connection, run the client in verbose mode. To do this just add -v:

ssh -v -l yourApacheID some-project-server.apache.org

Troubleshooting

  • If you encounter a problem with SSH and you are not running the most modern stable release of the client software you are connecting with, upgrade and retry.
  • Configure the client to use SSH2 where possible so the connection to Apache uses the SSH2 protocol. This protocol is more secure and lets you use an interactive keyboard (type in password) or PKI. If you must use SSH1, you will need to use PKI.
  • Read the section on debugging SSH and try to diagnose the problem.

Some common problems

Do not expose your private key

. Generate your key on a computer that is in your control, then upload only the public part to id.apache.org (use your ApacheID on the site). Do not make the mistake of generating the key on the an ASF server.

Too Many Groups

FreeBSD only allows a user to be in 16 groups. A user who is too popular will not be allowed to log on. It is easy to mistake this for an ssh problem. If `Authentication succeeded` is present in the debug logs, this indicates that the issue lies on your machine's login rather than with ssh.

Batch Mode

Only use batch mode in automated scripts. You will not be able to log in if ssh is configured to use batch mode.

FAQ

What is SSH2?

The second generation in the ssh family of protocols. It is believed to be more secure than the first generation and the implementations are now mature. Certain flaws exist in the first generation protocols which do not exist in the second generation, so we recommend using SSH2 where possible.

How can I debug my connection?

The easiest way to diagnose a failing connection is to run your client in verbose mode. This will print up descriptions of the actions that the client is taking. Here is how to do this using OpenSSH.

If Authentication succeeded is present then this indicates that the issue lies in your machine login rather than in ssh.

How do I configure my client to use SSH2?

If you are using OpenSSH, some instructions are available. Otherwise, please consult the manual.

What client can I use?

You can use any client that supports SSH2. (It is possible to use older clients that support only SSH1 but that requires more knowledge.)

OpenSSH is a well known and trusted client that is available for most *nixes. Some notes on how to use OpenSSH to connect to Apache are here.

What is PKI?

Public key infrastructure (PKI) enables the ssh family of protocols to operate without passing a password to the server. You use a passphrase to unlock a private key on the client machine, and a corresponding public key on the server for authentication the during the handshake. We recommend this as the most secure method of connection.

Why can't I connect using SSH1?

Because it has been deprecated in OpenSSH.

What is a known host?

SSH employs the known hosts mechanism to prevent man in the middle attacks. The first time that the client connects to a server, the fingerprint of the key used by that server is displayed to the user, who may to asked to confirm the identity of that server. For example:

The authenticity of host 'home.apache.org (209.237.237.194)' can't be established.
RSA key fingerprint is 1c:5d:3f:a2:89:97:2e:39:eb:b0:09:9e:cf:c6:8d:f3.
Are you sure you want to continue connecting (yes/no)? 

The fingerprints for home.apache.org can be found here. If the user elects to continue, this value is written to a known_hosts file. In future, when the user connects to the same server, the system checks this value and alerts the user if it has changed. Do not continue the connection after such an alert: contact infrastructure. This is of crucial importance when using keyboard interactive authentication.

Note: The fingerprint for the key used for ssh is different from the fingerprint of the certificate used to securely serve the website.

What Is a Man-in-the-Middle attack?

A class of attacks where the attacker masquerades as the server to the client and as the client to the server.

More information

Copyright 2024, The Apache Software Foundation, Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0.
Apache® and the Apache feather logo are trademarks of The Apache Software Foundation...