Source URL: https://rewiring.bearblog.dev/azure-devops-in-action-pt-iii-reasonably-secure-deploys-to-iis/
Source: Hacker News
Title: (Reasonably) secure Azure Pipelines on-prem deployments
Feedly Summary: Comments
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The text provides a detailed walkthrough of implementing a secure deployment pipeline using Azure DevOps to an on-premises Internet Information Services (IIS) server. It emphasizes the importance of security, particularly through minimizing permissions and leveraging PowerShell remoting securely, which is essential for professionals focused on DevSecOps and infrastructure security.
Detailed Description: The article outlines the steps necessary to create a deployment template using Azure Pipelines for updating applications on an IIS server, focusing on secure practices such as Just Enough Administration (JEA) and non-administrator accounts. Key points include:
– **Deployment Flow Overview**:
– The author discusses creating a deployment flow from Azure DevOps to an on-premises IIS server while ensuring that no accounts used in the deployment are administrators.
– **Requirements**:
– Self-hosted Azure DevOps agent.
– Windows Server with IIS.
– Networking access from the agent machine to the server.
– A domain account without administrative privileges.
– Recommendations for using PowerShell 7, although versions 5 are also supported.
– **Pipeline Configuration**:
– The pipeline is structured to move specified artifacts to a target machine, manage IIS application pools, and execute PowerShell scripts securely.
– The workflow includes various steps such as downloading artifacts, transferring files, stopping the application pool, updating deployment files, and restarting the pool.
– **PowerShell Remoting**:
– Detailed scripting is provided to connect securely to target machines, handle remote execution, and manage IIS application pools safely without requiring elevated permissions.
– Emphasis is placed on creating specific JEA configurations to ensure the user has only the minimum necessary privileges, reflecting a Zero Trust security approach.
– **Practical Recommendations**:
– The author stresses the challenges faced during the implementation, particularly concerning security and permissions, underscoring the need for robust PowerShell remoting practices to avoid reliance on administrative access.
– **Conclusion**:
– The author reflects on the complexities encountered during the process and encourages readers to adopt secure deployment practices to foster a more secure infrastructure environment.
Through its focus on automation, security, and best practices, the guide is particularly relevant for professionals working in DevSecOps, Azure practices, and overall infrastructure security planning, forming a useful resource to streamline deployment processes securely.