[hobbit] Using ssh to retrieve hobbit data

[Scott Walters]

> On Tue, Jan 03, 2006 at 02:37:15PM -0500, James B Horwath wrote:
> > I am converting my BB 19.c system to Hobbit 4.1.2p1.  With BB I used to
> > use ssh to fetch data from remote servers in a DMZ (using the
> > bb-fetchtab).   Can I do this in Hobbit.  I have searched the mail archive
> > and manuals and didn't see the option anywhere.
>
> I haven't done this, but off the top of my head it could be done like
> this:

In these scenarios, I have done a poor mans VPN with SSH instead of
fetching.  Using RSA keys, build a port forward from the BB/hobbit client
local 1984 to the BB/hobbit server.  You then configure the BB/hobbit
client to use localhost as its BB/hobbit server for communications.

This is "trusted Network' to 'DMZ" security friendly . . .

I then run a monitor on the BB/hobbit server, that attempts to detect the
VPN, and create if it doesn't exist.  The VPN is 'activated' by an "rvs"
tag in the bb-hosts file.  I have had issues with the monitor attempting
to build multiple tunnels, but haven't pinned it down.

This all presumes the bb/hobbit user on the bb/hobbit server can signing
via ssh to the bb/hobbit client without passwords (using keys).

Personally, I prefer unencrypted user private keys over HostBased.


-- 
Scott Walters
-PacketPusher