The reindex.ssl.key_passphrase setting in Elasticsearch is used to specify the passphrase for the SSL key when performing reindex operations from remote clusters that require SSL/TLS authentication.
- Default value: None
- Possible values: Any string that matches the passphrase for the SSL key
- Recommendations: Use a strong, unique passphrase and manage it securely
This setting is crucial when you need to reindex data from a remote cluster that uses SSL/TLS for security. It allows Elasticsearch to access the private key used for SSL/TLS connections during reindex operations.
Example Usage
To set the reindex.ssl.key_passphrase using the cluster settings API:
PUT _cluster/settings
{
"persistent": {
"reindex.ssl.key_passphrase": "your-secure-passphrase"
}
}
You might want to change this setting when:
- Setting up reindexing from a remote cluster that uses SSL/TLS
- Rotating SSL keys and passphrases for security purposes
The effect of this change is that Elasticsearch can successfully authenticate and establish secure connections for reindexing operations with remote clusters.
Common Issues and Misuses
- Using weak or easily guessable passphrases
- Storing the passphrase in plain text or insecure locations
- Forgetting to update the passphrase when rotating SSL keys
Do's and Don'ts
Do's:
- Use a strong, unique passphrase
- Rotate the passphrase regularly as part of your security practices
- Store the passphrase securely, preferably using a secrets management system
Don'ts:
- Don't use default or weak passphrases
- Don't share the passphrase unnecessarily
- Don't leave the passphrase set if not actively using remote reindexing
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use the same passphrase for multiple SSL keys?
A: While technically possible, it's not recommended for security reasons. Each SSL key should have its own unique, strong passphrase.
Q: How often should I rotate the SSL key passphrase?
A: Best practices suggest rotating SSL keys and passphrases every 1-2 years, or immediately if there's any suspicion of compromise.
Q: Is the reindex.ssl.key_passphrase encrypted when stored?
A: Elasticsearch does not encrypt this setting by default. It's crucial to protect access to your Elasticsearch configuration and consider using a secrets management system.
Q: Can I use environment variables for the SSL key passphrase?
A: Yes, you can use environment variables in the Elasticsearch configuration file to set the passphrase, which can be more secure than hardcoding it.
Q: What happens if I set an incorrect passphrase?
A: If the passphrase is incorrect, reindex operations to remote clusters requiring SSL authentication will fail with an SSL/TLS handshake error.
