How Can I Share Encrypted Files in Ansible Vault?

Ansible Vault is a powerful tool that allows you to encrypt sensitive information, such as passwords or API keys, in your Ansible playbooks. However, sharing these encrypted files securely is crucial to maintaining the confidentiality of your data. In this article, we'll explore various methods to share encrypted files in Ansible Vault efficiently.

1. Encrypting Files with Ansible Vault:
Before diving into sharing encrypted files, let's quickly review how to encrypt files using Ansible Vault. Use the following command to create an encrypted file:

ansible-vault create my_secrets.yml

This command will prompt you to set a password for the vault. Once entered, you can add your sensitive information to the file, and it will be encrypted.

2. Sharing Encrypted Files:
Sharing encrypted files requires careful consideration to maintain security. Here are several methods to achieve this:

a. Securely Sharing Passwords:
When sharing encrypted files that contain sensitive passwords, it's crucial to securely transmit the password for decrypting the file. One method is to share the password separately, ensuring it remains confidential.

ansible-vault decrypt my_secrets.yml --output=my_secrets_decrypted.yml

This command prompts you for the vault password and outputs the decrypted file. Share this file along with the password separately.

b. Using Shared Vault Password File:
Another approach is to use a shared vault password file. This method involves sharing a password file securely among team members.

ansible-vault decrypt my_secrets.yml --vault-password-file=shared_password.txt

Ensure that the shared password file is protected and only accessible to authorized users.

3. Integrating with Version Control Systems:
If you're using version control systems like Git, it's essential to be cautious when sharing encrypted files. Avoid committing unencrypted files to the repository.

# To encrypt a file before committing
ansible-vault encrypt my_secrets.yml

# To view changes before committing
git diff --submodule=my_secrets.yml

Ensure that only authorized personnel have access to the vault password and update the .gitignore file to exclude unencrypted files.

4. Encrypting Variables in Playbooks:
You can also encrypt individual variables within Ansible playbooks using the !vault tag. This allows you to keep sensitive data encrypted directly within the playbook.

api_key: !vault |
          $ANSIBLE_VAULT;1.2;AES256;your_vault_key
          66386238663238346536353966353735323261306562383865346561356362343437653933666365

Ensure that the vault key used here is secure and shared only with authorized users.

Sharing encrypted files in Ansible Vault requires a thoughtful approach to maintain security. Whether using separate passwords, shared vault password files, or integrating with version control systems, always prioritize the confidentiality of sensitive information. By following these methods, you can enhance the security of your Ansible projects and collaborate seamlessly with your team.