Configuring Authentication (Active Directory) in Jenkins

1. Introduction

This lesson covers the process of configuring authentication in Jenkins using Active Directory (AD). Active Directory is a directory service developed by Microsoft for Windows domain networks. It is used for authentication and authorization of users and computers in a Windows environment.

2. Pre-requisites

Jenkins installed and running.
Active Directory server accessible from the Jenkins server.
Administrator privileges in Jenkins and AD.
Jenkins Active Directory Plugin installed.

3. Configuration Steps

Step 1: Install Active Directory Plugin

Navigate to Manage Jenkins > Manage Plugins. Search for the Active Directory Plugin, install it, and restart Jenkins.

Step 2: Configure Security Realm

Go to Manage Jenkins > Configure Global Security. Under the Security Realm section, select Active Directory.

Fill in the required fields:

Domain Name: Your AD domain (e.g., example.com).
Domain Controller: IP address or hostname of your AD server.
Bind DN: The distinguished name of the user that Jenkins will use to connect to AD (e.g., CN=Jenkins User,CN=Users,DC=example,DC=com).
Bind Password: Password for the Bind DN user.

Step 3: Configure Authorization

Under the Authorization section, choose Logged-in users can do anything or configure based on your requirements.

Step 4: Test Configuration

To test the configuration, try logging in using a user account from the Active Directory.

Check the Jenkins logs for any authentication issues.

Step 5: Finalize Configuration

Once confirmed, save the configuration. You can now manage users and roles directly from Active Directory.

4. Best Practices

Important Note:

Always ensure that your Jenkins instance is running over HTTPS to secure the authentication process.

Regularly update the Active Directory Plugin.
Use secure passwords for the Bind DN.
Limit access to Jenkins based on user roles in Active Directory.
Monitor login attempts and configure alerts for suspicious activities.

5. FAQ

Q: What if users cannot log in?

A: Check the Bind DN credentials and ensure the AD server is reachable from Jenkins. Review the Jenkins logs for specific error messages.

Q: Can I use multiple Active Directory domains?

A: Yes, you can configure multiple Active Directory domains, but it may require additional configuration depending on your setup.

Q: Is it possible to sync user roles from Active Directory?

A: Yes, using the Role Strategy Plugin in conjunction with Active Directory allows for more granular control over user roles and permissions.

6. Flowchart of Configuration Steps


            graph TD;
                A[Start] --> B[Install Active Directory Plugin];
                B --> C[Configure Security Realm];
                C --> D[Configure Authorization];
                D --> E[Test Configuration];
                E --> F[Finalize Configuration];
                F --> G[End];