188 lines
10 KiB
Markdown
188 lines
10 KiB
Markdown
---
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page-title: "Step-by-Step Guide: Setting Up OpenXPKI for Secure Digital Certificates in Linux | by Riski Ilyas | Medium"
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url: https://medium.com/@riskiilyas03/step-by-step-guide-setting-up-openxpki-for-secure-digital-certificates-in-linux-107b06b2c0c1
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date: "2024-09-09 15:16:40"
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---
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> openxpki
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---
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## Step-by-Step Guide: Setting Up OpenXPKI for Secure Digital Certificates in Linux
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](https://medium.com/@riskiilyas03?source=post_page-----107b06b2c0c1--------------------------------)
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source: [https://github.com/openxpki](https://github.com/openxpki)
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In the ever-evolving landscape of digital security, the need for robust Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) solutions has become paramount. OpenXPKI, a versatile and open-source PKI software, offers a powerful framework for managing digital certificates and ensuring the secure exchange of information in a networked environment.
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This article serves as your gateway to understanding and harnessing the capabilities of OpenXPKI. Whether you’re looking to establish a Certificate Authority (CA), manage registration processes as a Registration Authority (RA), or simply utilize digital certificates as a common user, we’ve got you covered. In the following sections, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on installing and using OpenXPKI in various roles.
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## Why OpenXPKI?
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OpenXPKI combines flexibility and security, making it an ideal choice for organizations seeking a reliable PKI solution. With features tailored for Certificate Authorities, Registration Authorities, and end users, OpenXPKI streamlines the often complex processes involved in managing digital certificates.
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From securing communications to enabling digital signatures and authentication, OpenXPKI empowers you to build a robust and trustworthy infrastructure. Whether you’re a system administrator, security professional, or a curious enthusiast, this guide will walk you through the process of setting up and utilizing OpenXPKI in a manner that suits your specific needs.
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So, let’s embark on this journey into the realm of OpenXPKI, demystifying its installation and usage for Certificate Authorities, Registration Authorities, and common users alike.
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## Docker Installation
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To simplify the installation process and ensure compatibility across various environments, we’ll guide you through setting up OpenXPKI on a Linux system using Docker containers. Docker provides a convenient way to package applications and their dependencies, allowing for seamless deployment and scalability. Let’s dive into the world of OpenXPKI and set the stage for a secure and efficient Public Key Infrastructure.
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First and foremost, ensure that Docker, Docker Compose, and Make are installed on your local machine. If you haven’t installed these components yet, follow the steps provided below.
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1. Install Docker
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sudo apt update
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sudo apt install -y apt-transport-https ca-certificates curl software-properties-common
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curl -fsSL https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu/gpg | sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/docker-archive-keyring.gpg
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echo "deb \[signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/docker-archive-keyring.gpg\] https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu $(lsb\_release -cs) stable" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/docker.list > /dev/null
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sudo apt update
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sudo apt install -y docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io
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sudo usermod -aG docker $USER
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docker --version
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Finished Installing Docker
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2\. Install Docker-Compose
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sudo apt update
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sudo curl -L "https://github.com/docker/compose/releases/latest/download/docker-compose-$(uname -s)\-$(uname -m)" -o /usr/local/bin/docker-compose
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sudo chmod +x /usr/local/bin/docker-compose
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docker-compose --version
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Finished Installing Docker-Compose
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3\. Install Make
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sudo apt update
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sudo apt install make
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make --version
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Finished Installing Make
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With Docker, Docker Compose, and Make successfully installed on your local machine, you are now ready to proceed with the installation of OpenXPKI. The following steps will guide you through the process, ensuring a smooth setup for your Certificate Authority (CA), Registration Authority (RA), and common user roles. Let’s embark on this journey into implementing OpenXPKI for your secure and efficient Public Key Infrastructure.
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## OpenXPKI Installation
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After installing Docker, Docker-Compose, & Make, we can continue to Install OpenXPKI. The first step is to clone the OpenXPKI Docker Image Repository. You can copy below command to clone the Docker Image.
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git clone https://github.com/openxpki/openxpki-docker.git
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After cloning the Repository, you can change the directory to the Cloned Docker Repository.
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cd openxpki-docker
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Change to the Repository Directory
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Now you are inside the Docker Directory. The next step is to clone the Config Repository. You can copy the command below:
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git clone https://github.com/openxpki/openxpki-config.git \\
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--single-branch --branch=community
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Next, to avoid the server to crash when the database is not available, you should copy the configuration into the local.yaml . You can copy the command below
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cp contrib/wait\_on\_init.yaml openxpki-config/config.d/system/local.yaml
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Now, to run the docker-compose. Use below make command to start
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make compose
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Starting the Web Server with Docker Compose
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The Web-Server is now started, to Open the OpenXPKI Web, you can access [https://localhost:8443/](https://localhost:8443/)
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Login Page of OpenXPKI
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## Using OpenXPKI as Certificate Authority (CA)
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OpenXPKI provides some Demo Accounts for CA, RA, & Common Users. Now we are going to use Demo Account for CA. Therefore, choose **Test Accounts** in the Authentication Method. Then Click **Login**
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Login using Test Account
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In the Login form, use **caop** as the username and **openxpki** for the default password. Then click **Login**
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Now you already Logged in as Certificate Authority (CA), you can do some authority like Certifficate Issuance, Certificate Revocation, Certificate Renewal, Policy Enforcement, etc.
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## Using OpenXPKI as Registration Authority (RA)
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To use OpenXPKI as Registration Authority (RA), you can log in with the same option which is Test Account. Then, you can fill **raop** for the username and **openxpki** for the password. Click **Login** after that.
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Now you are Logged in as Registration Authority (RA), you can do things like managing User Enrollment, Certificate Request Approval, Certificate Request Revocation, etc
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To manage Certificate Request, you can click **Home ->My Task**. Here you can approve or revoke any certificate requests from the users.
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## Using OpenXPKI as Common User
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To use as Common User, The first thing to do is to Log in as Test User, then you can log in as Alice. Therefore, you can fill the username with **alice** and the password with **openxpki** as the default password.
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Now, you are already Logged in as Alice. The next step is to request a certificate. You can click **Request certificate** menu.
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Then you can choose **OCSP Responder** for the Certificate Profile. Next, click **Continue**
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After clicking **Continue,** choose **Generate Key on PKI** to request the certificate.
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Next, you can customize the Key Algorithm and Key Length. Otherwise, you can just click **Continue.**
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Next, fill in your own Hostname, for example we can put **alice.my.id**. Then, click **Continue**
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Next, You can also customize the certificate Info and also add Comment on it. Or you can also use the Default Info and click **Continue**
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Next, it will show your certificate info and you can edit, submit, or cancel the request. To Proceed the request, click **Submit request**
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Lastly, retype the Password that already given to the **Password Confirmation** Form
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Finally, you have already create a Certificate Request! Now, you can log in as Registration User (RA) to approve or revoke the request.
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In conclusion, OpenXPKI emerges as a versatile and indispensable tool in the realm of digital security, offering a robust framework for managing Public Key Infrastructure. Through the installation guide and insights into the roles of Certificate Authority (CA), Registration Authority (RA), and common users, you’ve gained a comprehensive understanding of how OpenXPKI fortifies the security landscape. As a CA, it facilitates precise certificate issuance and management, while the RA ensures a seamless enrollment process. Together, they establish a secure foundation for cryptographic operations. By navigating OpenXPKI, you’ve not only acquired the skills to safeguard information and authenticate users but also laid the groundwork for a resilient and trustworthy digital infrastructure within your organization. |