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How to deploy a FIPS-compliant kernel

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This guide walks you through the steps to deploy an Ubuntu machine with a FIPS-compliant kernel. The FIPS kernel comes with all Ubuntu Pro subscriptions for Ubuntu 22.04 LTS. There is also a tutorial on how to get access to the Ubuntu FIPS-compliant kernel.

Install FIPS kernel

The kernel FIPS kernel isn’t directly integrated into MAAS. Instead, cloud-init is used to first deploy a generic kernel. Then cloud-init installs the FIPS kernel and reboots the machine to enable it. Be aware that after MAAS marks the machine as DEPLOYED, there will be a delay while cloud-init completes and the machine reboots.

Sequence of events

  1. Machine deploys with Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and a generic kernel.
  2. Machine reboots.
  3. Bootloader instructed to boot from disk.
  4. Host requests MAAS for configuration.
  5. MAAS sends cloud-init config to host.
  6. Cloud-init activates Ubuntu Pro.
  7. Ubuntu Pro agent installs the FIPS kernel.
  8. Another reboot enables the new kernel.
  9. System is ready for use.

What you’ll need

  1. Valid Ubuntu Pro token (find yours at Ubuntu Pro Dashboard^^*^^).
  2. MAAS 3.2 or later with Ubuntu 22.04 LTS images.
  3. A host compatible with Ubuntu FIPS-compliant kernel.
  4. Internet connection.

Offline installation of the kernel FIPS-compliant kernel is not supported currently.

Deploy FIPS kernel

Perform these steps in the MAAS UI:

  1. Enlist and commission the host: Do this as you normally would.

  2. Initiate deployment: Select the host and click Deploy.

  3. Choose OS and release: Opt for Ubuntu and Ubuntu 22.04 LTS "Jammy Jellyfish".

  4. Configure cloud-init: Select Cloud-init user-data and use the following templates. Replace <ubuntu_pro_token> with your valid token.

    1. cloud-init >= 24.1
    #cloud-config
          ubuntu_pro:
            token: <ubuntu_pro_token>
            enable:
            - fips-updates
2. `cloud-init` < 24.1
    #cloud-config
          package_update: true
          package_upgrade: true
          
          runcmd:
          - pro attach <ubuntu_pro_token>
          - yes | pro enable fips-updates
  1. Start deployment: Click Start deployment for machine.

Verify deployment

After deployment, execute these commands on the host to confirm RT kernel activation:

  1. Run cat /proc/sys/crypto/fips_enabled on the machine. A return value of 1 indicates FIPS mode is active.

  2. Check the output of sudo pro status to confirm that fips-preview and fips-updates are enabled.

Your machine should now be up and running with a FIPS-compliant kernel.