Securing Sensitive Data in Ansible: A Deep

Dive into Ansible Vault

Introduction:
In the world of DevOps and automation, effectively managing information such as
passwords, API keys and other sensitive data is of importance. Ansible, a tool for automation
provides a solution called Ansible Vault to address this need. In this guide we will explore
how Ansible Vault securely encrypted variables and files to ensure the handling of sensitive
content in playbooks and roles.
Understanding Vault
Ansible Vault acts as a repository where sensitive data can be stored preventing
unauthorized access to critical information. It utilizes the AES 256 cipher in versions of
Ansible providing encryption for stored files. Lets delve into the operations and commands
provided by Ansible Vault.
1. Creating an Encrypted File
To create a new encrypted file, the following command can be used:
$ ansible-vault create secret.yml
This command prompts for a new vault password and opens the file in the default editor. It's
essential to use a strong and secure password to enhance the overall security of the
encrypted file.
Alternatively, you can use a vault password file:
$ ansible-vault create --vault-password-file=vault-password.txt secret1.yml
2. Viewing an Encrypted File
To view the contents of an Ansible Vault-encrypted file without opening it for editing, use the
following command:
$ ansible-vault view secret1.yml
This command prompts for the vault password and displays the encrypted content.
3. Editing an Existing Encrypted File
To edit an existing encrypted file, Ansible Vault provides the ‘ansible-vault edit’ command:
$ ansible-vault edit secret.yml
This command decrypts the file to a temporary file, allowing for edits. When saved, it copies
the content back and removes the temporary file.
4. Encrypting an Existing File
If you have a clear text file that needs encryption, you can use the following command:
$ ansible-vault encrypt cleartext1.yml --output=vault1.yml
The ‘--output’ option allows you to save the encrypted file with a new name, preventing
overwriting of the original file.
5. Decrypting an Existing File
To permanently decrypt an existing encrypted file, use the following command:
$ ansible-vault decrypt vault1.yml --output=decrypted.yml
This command prompts for the vault password and saves the decrypted file under a different
name using the --output option.
6. Changing Password of an Encrypted File
To change the password of an encrypted file, use the ‘ansible-vault rekey’ command:
$ ansible-vault rekey secret.yml
This command prompts for the original password and then the new password, ensuring a
smooth transition to a more secure credential.
Playbooks and Ansible Vault Integration
When incorporating Ansible Vault into playbooks, it's crucial to understand how to
seamlessly integrate it. Running a Ansible playbook that accesses files encrypted with
Ansible Vault requires providing the encryption password to the ‘ansible-playbook’
command. Failure to provide the password results in an error.
To provide the vault password to the playbook, the ‘--vault-id’ option can be used:
$ ansible-playbook --vault-id @prompt playbook.yml
This interactive method prompts for the vault password during execution. Alternatively, a
password file can be used:
$ ansible-playbook --vault-password-file=vault-password.txt playbook.yml
Best Practices and Considerations
1. Strong Passwords: Always use strong and secure passwords for Ansible Vault to ensure
the confidentiality of sensitive data.
2. Backup Encrypted Files: Regularly backup encrypted files to prevent data loss in case of
accidental deletion or corruption.
3. Access Control: Limit access to Ansible Vault files to only authorized personnel who
require the sensitive information for their tasks.
4. Automation: Integrate the management of Ansible Vault into your automation workflows
for a streamlined and secure deployment process.
Conclusion:
Ansible Vault is an indispensable tool for DevOps engineers and automation enthusiasts,
offering a robust solution for securing sensitive data within playbooks and roles. By
understanding the various commands and best practices outlined in this guide, you can
confidently integrate Ansible Vault into your automation workflows, ensuring the protection of
critical information in the dynamic landscape of IT operations.

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