Automate SSL Login

TL;DR

This guide shows you how to automatically log in to websites using SSL certificates instead of usernames and passwords. This is more secure and convenient, especially for services you access often.

Prerequisites

• A valid SSL certificate installed on your server or client machine.
• Access to the website’s configuration files (e.g., Apache, Nginx).
• Basic understanding of command line interface (CLI) and text editors.

Steps

1. Configure your Web Server
   • For Apache, enable SSL module:

     sudo a2enmod ssl

     Restart Apache:

     sudo systemctl restart apache2

   • For Nginx, ensure the `ssl_module` is loaded in your configuration file (usually in `/etc/nginx/nginx.conf`). Restart Nginx:

     sudo systemctl restart nginx

2. Create a Client Certificate

   You’ll need to generate a client certificate and key pair. Use OpenSSL:

   openssl req -x509 -newkey rsa:4096 -nodes -keyout client.key -out client.crt -days 365

   This creates two files: client.key (your private key – keep this safe!) and client.crt (the certificate you’ll install in your browser).

3. Install the Client Certificate in Your Browser
   • Chrome/Edge: Settings > Privacy and security > Security > Manage device certificates > Import. Select client.crt and follow prompts.
   • Firefox: Preferences > Privacy & Security > Certificates > View Certificates > Authorities > Import. Select client.crt and check the box for ‘Trust this certificate for identifying websites’.
4. Configure Website to Require Client Authentication
   • For Apache, edit your virtual host configuration file (e.g., `/etc/apache2/sites-available/your_site.conf`). Add the following within the <VirtualHost> block:

     <Directory /var/www/your_site>
       SSLRequireClient on
     </Directory>

   • For Nginx, edit your server configuration file (e.g., `/etc/nginx/sites-available/your_site`). Add the following within the `server` block:

     ssl_client_certificate /path/to/your/ca.crt;
     verify_client on;

5. Restart Web Server

   After making changes to the configuration, restart your web server (as in Step 1).

6. Test the Login

   Access your website via HTTPS. Your browser should now prompt you to select a client certificate for authentication. Choose the one you installed.

Troubleshooting

• Browser Doesn’t Prompt: Double-check that the client certificate is correctly installed and trusted in your browser settings. Ensure the web server configuration requires client authentication.
• Authentication Fails: Verify the CA certificate path in Nginx configuration. Check server logs for errors related to SSL/TLS handshake.