Kdb5 Util - Kerberos Database Management
The kdb5_util command is a crucial utility for managing the Kerberos database (KDC database). It provides a comprehensive set of operations for initializing, maintaining, and backing up your Kerberos security infrastructure.
Initialize Kerberos Database
Use the create command to initialize a new Kerberos database. The -s flag ensures that the database is created and the master key is stashed (saved securely).
# Initialize a new Kerberos database
kdb5_util create -sDestroy Kerberos Database
The destroy command permanently removes the existing Kerberos database. Use this with extreme caution.
# Destroy an existing Kerberos database
kdb5_util destroyDump Kerberos Database
dump allows you to export the current state of the Kerberos database to a specified file. This is essential for backups.
# Dump the Kerberos database to a file
kdb5_util dump /path/to/dumpfileLoad Kerberos Database
Use load to restore a Kerberos database from a previously created dump file. This is typically used after a database corruption or migration.
# Load a Kerberos database from a dump file
kdb5_util load /path/to/dumpfileArchive Kerberos Log
The ark command archives the current Kerberos database log to a specified output file, which can be useful for auditing and historical tracking.
# Archive the current log to the specified output file
kdb5_util ark /path/to/archivefileList Kerberos Database Attributes
list displays the attributes and principals stored within the Kerberos database, providing an overview of your security principals.
# Show the Kerberos database's attributes
kdb5_util listUpdate Master Key
The stash command is used to change the master key of the Kerberos database. You will be prompted for the old master key before setting a new one.
# Change the master key
kdb5_util stashAlternatively, update -f allows you to update the master key by reading it from a specified file, which can be useful in automated scripting scenarios.
# Prompt for old master key, then read and update key from a file
kdb5_util update -f /path/to/stashfile