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Configuring StartTLS for OpenLDAP: ldap_modify Error 80 Solution

Ubuntu 15

In this article, we’ll delve into the topic of configuring StartTLS for OpenLDAP and provide a solution to the common ldap_modify Error 80. This error typically occurs when trying to modify the OpenLDAP configuration using the ldapmodify command.

Quick Answer

To solve the ldap_modify Error 80 when configuring StartTLS for OpenLDAP, you need to check and adjust the permissions of the TLS files, verify access rights, review the LDIF file for correct file paths, and run the ldapmodify command with the modified LDIF file. By following these steps, you can successfully modify the StartTLS configuration without encountering the ldap_modify Error 80.

Understanding OpenLDAP and StartTLS

OpenLDAP is an open-source implementation of the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP), a protocol used to access and maintain distributed directory information services over an Internet Protocol (IP) network.

StartTLS is a protocol command used to instruct the server and client to immediately negotiate a TLS (or SSL) connection to secure the communication.

The ldap_modify Error 80

The ldap_modify Error 80 is an “Other (e.g., implementation specific) error”. It often occurs when the openldap user does not have read access to the TLS files.

Steps to Solve ldap_modify Error 80

1. Check Permissions of TLS Files

The first step in resolving this issue is to check the permissions of the TLS files. The files in question are:

  • /etc/ssl/certs/roenix.ca.cert.pem
  • /etc/ssl/certs/ldaptest.roenix.net.cert.pem
  • /etc/ssl/private/ldaptest.roenix.net.key.pem

You can check the permissions of these files using the ls -l command. This command will list the files in the directory along with their permissions.

2. Adjust Permissions

If the openldap user does not have read access to the TLS files, you need to adjust the permissions. You can change the group ownership of the files to open-ssl or give read access to the openldap user directly using the chown and chmod commands respectively.

3. Verify Access Rights

Next, verify the access rights on /usr/local/share/ca-certificates/roenix.ca.cert.crt and ensure that the openldap user can change into the /etc/ssl/private directory.

4. Review the LDIF File

The LDIF (LDAP Data Interchange Format) file is used for modifying the OpenLDAP configuration. Review this file to ensure that the file paths for the TLS files are correct.

5. Run the ldapmodify Command

Finally, run the ldapmodify command again with the modified LDIF file:

sudo ldapmodify -Y EXTERNAL -H ldapi:/// -f certinfo.ldif

Here, -Y EXTERNAL specifies the SASL mechanism to use, -H ldapi:/// specifies the LDAP URI to connect to, and -f certinfo.ldif specifies the LDIF file to use.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully modify the StartTLS configuration for OpenLDAP without encountering the ldap_modify Error 80. Remember that it’s crucial to ensure that the TLS files are properly generated and configured according to your specific setup. Always refer to the relevant documentation or guides specific to your version of OpenLDAP and operating system for the best results.

Remember, the key to solving any error is understanding what the error message is trying to convey. In this case, ldap_modify Error 80 is often associated with permission issues. By addressing these, you can ensure a smoother configuration process.

What is OpenLDAP?

OpenLDAP is an open-source implementation of the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP), which is used to access and maintain distributed directory information services over an IP network.

What is StartTLS?

StartTLS is a protocol command used to instruct the server and client to immediately negotiate a TLS (or SSL) connection to secure the communication.

What is the ldap_modify Error 80?

The ldap_modify Error 80 is an "Other (e.g., implementation specific) error" that often occurs when the openldap user does not have read access to the TLS files.

How can I check the permissions of the TLS files?

You can check the permissions of the TLS files using the ls -l command. This command will list the files in the directory along with their permissions.

How can I adjust the permissions of the TLS files?

To adjust the permissions, you can change the group ownership of the files to open-ssl using the chown command or give read access to the openldap user directly using the chmod command.

What should I verify regarding the access rights on the TLS files?

You should verify the access rights on /usr/local/share/ca-certificates/roenix.ca.cert.crt and ensure that the openldap user can change into the /etc/ssl/private directory.

How can I review the LDIF file?

You can review the LDIF file by opening it in a text editor and ensuring that the file paths for the TLS files are correct.

How do I run the ldapmodify command?

To run the ldapmodify command, use the following syntax: sudo ldapmodify -Y EXTERNAL -H ldapi:/// -f certinfo.ldif. Make sure to replace certinfo.ldif with the path to your LDIF file.

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