Connect Linux to Windows Server via Ansible Jump Host

How to Connect Linux to Windows Server Through Ansible Jump Host

In this guide, we will walk you through the process of connecting a Linux to Windows Server using an Ansible jump host. This setup allows seamless automation between different environments, using Ansible’s powerful configuration management tools. By following these instructions, you’ll be able to configure both your Linux and Windows machines to communicate securely and effectively.

Prerequisites for Connecting Linux to Windows Server

Before we dive into the setup, make sure you have the following prerequisites in place:

• Ansible Version 2.9 or Higher: Ensure that you have Ansible installed with version 2.9 or above.
• Linux Jump Host: A Linux-based server to act as your jump host.
• Windows Target Server: We will use Windows Server 2016 for this example.

Step 1: Install Required Dependencies on the Ansible Controller

To get started, you need to install a few necessary dependencies on your Ansible controller.

1. Install Python pip and pywinrm
   Run the following commands on your Ansible controller to install the required Python libraries: [root@ansible ~]# yum -y install python-pip [root@ansible ~]# pip install pywinrm
2. Install Socks Dependency Package
   This package is required for connecting through a proxy: # pip install requests[socks]
3. Install Python PowerShell Remoting Protocol
   Ansible will use PowerShell remoting to interact with Windows servers. Install the pypsrp package: [root@ansible ~]# pip install pypsrp
4. Install Kerberos and NTLM Authentication Packages
   To enable secure communication with Windows, install the required authentication packages: [root@ansible ~]# yum install gcc python-devel krb5-devel # To add NTLM to the GSSAPI SPNEGO authentication, run: [root@ansible ~]# yum install gssntlmssp
5. Install CredSSP Authentication Support
   For additional security, you can use CredSSP for authentication: [root@ansible ~]# pip install pypsrp[credssp]

Step 2: Set Up the Inventory File for Windows Nodes

To configure Ansible to communicate with your Windows target server, set up an inventory file. Below is an example configuration for a Windows machine:

[win]
192.168.4.141  # Replace with your Windows IP

[win:vars]
ansible_user=demo
ansible_password=2!ppy0ps
ansible_connection=psrp
ansible_port=5985
ansible_psrp_proxy=socks5://localhost:12345

Make sure the Windows IP address, username, and password are correct. You can also configure other parameters such as ansible_psrp_proxy if you’re using a proxy for the connection.

Step 3: Configure the Jump Host

To access the Windows server through the Linux jump host, you need to SSH into your Ansible controller. Use the ssh-copy-id command to set up SSH access:

[root@ansible ~]# ssh-copy-id username@jump-host

This will allow the Ansible controller to securely access the jump host, which then provides access to the Windows target server.

Step 4: Set Up WinRM on the Windows Server

For Ansible to communicate with the Windows target server, WinRM (Windows Remote Management) must be configured. This setup requires PowerShell 3.0 or newer, and .NET Framework 4.0 or above.

1. Upgrade PowerShell (if needed)
   If your server is running an older version of PowerShell, upgrade it using the following script: PS D:\> .\Upgrade-PowerShell.ps1 After upgrading, ensure to revert any changes like auto-logon or set the execution policy back to restricted as per your organization’s security guidelines.
2. Set Execution Policy
   Configure PowerShell to allow script execution: Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Force
3. Configure WinRM Listener
   To enable remote management, configure WinRM by running the following script: D:\> .\ConfigureRemotingForAnsible.ps1 This will set up the necessary WinRM listeners for both HTTP (port 5985) and HTTPS (port 5986).
4. Check WinRM Listeners
   Verify that the listeners are active with this command: winrm enumerate winrm/config/listener

Step 5: Start the SSH Tunnel for Ansible

Once WinRM is set up, initiate an SSH tunnel from your Ansible controller to the jump host:

ssh -D 12345 username@bastionhost

This command opens an SSH tunnel, allowing Ansible to route traffic through the jump host to the Windows server.

Step 6: Run the Ansible Playbook

Finally, run your Ansible playbook to test the connection between the Ansible controller and the Windows target server. Use the following command:

ansible all -i inventory -m win_ping

If the setup is correct, Ansible should successfully ping the Windows target server.

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Conclusion on Connecting Linux to Windows server

Connecting Linux to Windows server through an Ansible jump host is a straightforward process once you have all the necessary dependencies in place. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily automate tasks between Linux and Windows systems. Moreover, for advanced DevOps automation needs, ZippyOPS offers a variety of consulting, implementation, and managed services to support your enterprise operations.