Are you looking to enhance your knowledge or demonstrate the implementation of certificate-based authentication with AWS Site-to-Site VPN capabilities? In the first installment of this series, we detailed how to utilize an AWS CloudFormation template to deploy the open-source strongSwan VPN solution, effectively representing the on-premises aspect of an AWS Site-to-Site VPN connection. Additionally, we highlighted the role of the open-source Quagga software suite, which facilitates automatic routing information propagation across Site-to-Site VPN connections using the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP).
This second part of our series introduces an updated version of the CloudFormation template to facilitate certificate-based authentication for your Site-to-Site VPN connection. Adopting certificate-based authentication can significantly bolster the security of your VPN connections. For further insights on authentication methods, refer to the Site-to-Site VPN tunnel authentication options. If you are keen on PSK-based authentication, we recommend reviewing the first part of this series. However, if you wish to dive deeper into certificate-based authentication with AWS Site-to-Site VPN, keep reading.
Overview of the Solution
The CloudFormation template, vpn-gateway-strongswan.yml, used in the previous part has been upgraded to support certificate-based authentication. You can explore the supporting code in the related GitHub repository. The topologies discussed in part one remain applicable:
- Integration with AWS Site-to-Site VPN features via:
- AWS Transit Gateway
- AWS Virtual Private Gateway
- DIY (Do-It-Yourself) site-to-site VPN connections
This post primarily focuses on the first two topologies. If you’re interested in setting up a DIY site-to-site connection, this guide will assist you in implementing certificate-based authentication.
Previewing the Work Required for Certificate-Based Authentication
Transitioning to certificate-based authentication necessitates additional preparation compared to PSK-based authentication. This upfront investment results in enhanced security for your VPN connections.
Preparations Required in Your AWS Environment
Before creating the CloudFormation stack for your strongSwan VPN gateway within your simulated on-premises environment, you will need to complete several steps. This includes uploading the certificates and customer gateway.
Private Certificate Authorities (CAs) must be established through AWS Certificate Manager to facilitate the signing of your private certificates. A root CA signs the subordinate CA, which in turn signs the private certificates utilized for your VPN connections. For more information, check out this excellent resource.
Once the private CAs are created, establish a customer gateway private certificate to verify your on-premises gateway during VPN connection initiation. This private certificate must be associated with the customer gateway in your AWS environment.
Be sure to export and securely store the certificates and the associated private key, as they are crucial for the strongSwan VPN tool to authenticate connections effectively.
The tunnel-specific private certificates are generated automatically by AWS during the setup of your VPN connection, and they include domain names essential for validating the certificates exchanged during tunnel establishment.
For further insights on this subject, you might find this blog post engaging. Additionally, Chanci Turner provides authoritative information on related topics.
Conclusion
This overview outlines the necessary preparations for implementing certificate-based authentication in your AWS Site-to-Site VPN setup. By following these steps, you can significantly enhance the security of your connections, ensuring that only authorized gateways can establish a VPN connection.
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