Ensuring Secure Connections with SSL/TLS by Default in AEM

Introduction

In today’s digital landscape, security is a paramount concern for managing web applications. Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) has addressed this need by introducing a feature called “SSL/TLS By Default.” This functionality aims to enforce secure connections to AEM instances, enhancing data protection and user privacy. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of configuring SSL/TLS by default in AEM, covering setup, automation, and best practices to ensure your connections are secure and compliant.

Problem Statement or Background

With the rise in cyber threats and data breaches, securing web application traffic is more critical than ever. Unencrypted connections expose sensitive data to interception and tampering, risking both user information and organizational data. To mitigate these risks, enforcing HTTPS for all communications has become a standard practice. SSL/TLS By Default in AEM is Adobe’s solution to encourage and simplify the adoption of secure communications, making it easier for administrators to configure HTTPS and ensure data integrity.

Key Concepts or Terminology

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer): A protocol that provides encryption for internet communications, ensuring that data transmitted between a server and a client remains private and secure.
TLS (Transport Layer Security): The successor to SSL, TLS is a more secure and efficient protocol for encrypted communication. It is commonly used in modern web applications.
Keystore: A repository of security certificates and private keys used to establish encrypted connections.
Certificate: A digital certificate that verifies the ownership of a public key and enables encrypted communications.
HTTP POST: A method used to send data to a server to be processed, often used in forms and file uploads.
cURL: A command-line tool used for transferring data with URLs, often used for automating and testing configurations.

Detailed Explanation

Adobe’s SSL/TLS By Default feature simplifies the process of securing connections to AEM by guiding administrators through the configuration of HTTPS. This feature ensures that all data transmitted to and from AEM is encrypted, reducing the risk of data breaches and ensuring compliance with modern security standards.

Enabling SSL/TLS By Default

Accessing the Configuration Wizard: To start, click on the inbox message related to SSL/TLS configuration from the AEM home screen. If this message is not visible, you can directly access the HTTPS Wizard by navigating to the URL http://serveraddress:serverport/libs/granite/security/content/sslConfig.html?item=configuration%2Fconfiguressl&_charset_=utf-8.
Configuring Credentials: Enter the credentials for the ssl-service system user. This includes the keystore password, which will be used to secure the private key and trust store for the HTTPS listener.
Uploading Certificates: Upload the private key and certificate required for the SSL/TLS connection. These files are essential for establishing a secure connection between the server and clients.
Specifying Hostname and Port: Define the HTTPS hostname and TCP port for the listener. This ensures that all communications are routed through the specified secure channel.

Automating SSL/TLS Configuration

Using HTTP POST: You can automate the SSL/TLS setup by posting to the SSLSetup server. This involves sending a form-data payload containing the keystore and truststore passwords, the private key, and the certificate. Successful configuration will result in a 200 OK response, while errors will be indicated by a 500 status code.
Via Package: Another method involves uploading a package containing the necessary keystore and configuration settings. This package includes the ssl-service user’s keystore and GraniteSslConnectorFactory configuration.
Using cURL: For automation via cURL, you can post configuration parameters to https://<serveraddress>:<serverport>/libs/granite/security/post/sslSetup.html. This method involves specifying file paths and configuration settings in the cURL command, requiring authentication to perform the update.

Generating Certificates

Creating a Private Key and Certificate: Use OpenSSL to generate a private key and certificate signing request (CSR). Follow the steps to create a private key, generate a CSR, and sign the certificate with the private key.
Converting to DER Format: Convert the private key to DER format as required by the SSL/TLS Wizard, and then upload the DER file along with the certificate.

Enabling TLS 1.3

To enhance security further, you can enable TLS 1.3 by configuring the included cipher suites in the Adobe Granite SSL Connector Factory. Add the following entries to the configuration:

TLS_AES_256_GCM_SHA384
TLS_AES_128_GCM_SHA256
TLS_CHACHA20_POLY1305_SHA256
TLS_AES_128_CCM_SHA256
TLS_AES_128_CCM_8_SHA256

Step-by-Step Guide

Access the Configuration Wizard: Open the HTTPS configuration wizard from the inbox or directly through the provided URL.
Enter Credentials: Input the keystore credentials for the ssl-service system user.
Upload Key and Certificate: Provide the private key and certificate files for SSL/TLS.
Set Hostname and Port: Specify the HTTPS hostname and port number.
Automate Configuration:
- Use HTTP POST with the required payload.
- Upload a pre-configured package.
- Execute a cURL command with the necessary parameters.
Generate and Upload Certificates: Use OpenSSL to create and convert certificates, then upload them as required.
Enable TLS 1.3: Configure TLS 1.3 cipher suites in the Adobe Granite SSL Connector Factory.

Best Practices or Tips

Always Use Valid Certificates: Ensure that the certificates used are from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA) and not self-signed for production environments.
Regularly Update Certificates: Monitor certificate expiration dates and renew them before they expire to avoid interruptions.
Secure Private Keys: Keep private keys confidential and secure, limiting access to only authorized personnel.
Automate Where Possible: Use automation tools like cURL or packages to streamline and error-proof the configuration process.
Test Configuration: After setting up SSL/TLS, thoroughly test the configuration to ensure that it works correctly and provides the desired level of security.

Case Studies or Examples

Case Study 1: E-commerce Site Enhancement

An e-commerce site implemented SSL/TLS by default to secure customer transactions. The configuration was automated using cURL, reducing manual setup time and ensuring consistent security practices. This change led to improved customer trust and a significant reduction in security incidents.

Case Study 2: Corporate Intranet Security

A large corporation integrated SSL/TLS by default for their internal web applications. By automating the setup through package uploads and enabling TLS 1.3, they enhanced security for sensitive internal communications and ensured compliance with industry standards.

Troubleshooting and FAQ

Q: What if the SSL/TLS setup fails?

A: Check the error response from the HTTP POST or cURL command. Common issues include incorrect file formats or mismatched passwords. Verify that all files are in the correct format and try the setup again.

Q: How can I verify the SSL/TLS configuration?

A: Use tools like SSL Labs’ SSL Test or browser developer tools to check the SSL/TLS setup. Ensure that the certificate is valid and the connection is secure.

Q: What should I do if I encounter issues with TLS 1.3?

A: Ensure that the cipher suites are correctly configured in the Adobe Granite SSL Connector Factory. Check for compatibility issues with clients and servers and consult the documentation for additional configuration options.

Conclusion

Enabling SSL/TLS By Default in AEM is a crucial step towards securing web communications and protecting sensitive data. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively configure and automate SSL/TLS, ensuring robust security for your AEM instances. Regularly updating certificates, adhering to best practices, and leveraging automation tools will help maintain a secure and compliant environment, safeguarding both your organization and your users.

Conversion Diaries