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| 1 | +# GoReleaser GPG Code Signing Plan for GitHub Actions |
| 2 | + |
| 3 | +## Current State |
| 4 | + |
| 5 | +1. **GoReleaser Configuration**: `.goreleaser.yml` is configured to sign checksums using GPG |
| 6 | + - Expects `GPG_FINGERPRINT` environment variable |
| 7 | + - Uses `--batch` flag for non-interactive signing |
| 8 | + - Signs the SHA256 checksum file |
| 9 | + |
| 10 | +2. **GitHub Actions Status**: Release job is currently **DISABLED** (commented out) |
| 11 | + - Comment indicates: "DISABLED to figure out GPG signing issue on Github Actions" |
| 12 | + - Suspected issue: "possibly due to lack of TTY inside docker?" |
| 13 | + |
| 14 | +3. **Existing Secrets**: There's a reference to `GPG_PRIVATE_KEY` secret in the Terraform Provider Release workflow |
| 15 | + |
| 16 | +## Plan Overview |
| 17 | + |
| 18 | +### Phase 1: GPG Subkey Creation and Export |
| 19 | + |
| 20 | +**Objective**: Create a signing subkey from your main key and export it securely |
| 21 | + |
| 22 | +**Why Subkeys?** |
| 23 | +- Your main key stays secure on your local machine |
| 24 | +- Subkeys can be exported for CI/CD use |
| 25 | +- If a subkey is compromised, it can be revoked without affecting your main key |
| 26 | +- Subkeys can have specific capabilities (signing only, encryption only, etc.) |
| 27 | + |
| 28 | +1. **List Your Existing Keys** |
| 29 | + ```bash |
| 30 | + # List your secret keys to find your main key |
| 31 | + gpg --list-secret-keys --keyid-format LONG |
| 32 | + # Note the KEY_ID (the long hex string after "sec") |
| 33 | + ``` |
| 34 | + |
| 35 | +2. **Create a Signing Subkey** |
| 36 | + |
| 37 | + **Option A: Non-Interactive Method (Recommended - GPG 2.1+)** |
| 38 | + ```bash |
| 39 | + # Create a signing-only RSA 4096-bit subkey with no expiration |
| 40 | + # Replace YOUR_MAIN_KEY_ID with your actual main key ID |
| 41 | + gpg --quick-add-key YOUR_MAIN_KEY_ID rsa4096 sign 0 |
| 42 | + |
| 43 | + # Or if you want it to expire in 2 years: |
| 44 | + # gpg --quick-add-key YOUR_MAIN_KEY_ID rsa4096 sign 2y |
| 45 | + |
| 46 | + # You'll be prompted for your main key passphrase |
| 47 | + ``` |
| 48 | + |
| 49 | + **Option B: Interactive Method (if quick-add-key doesn't work)** |
| 50 | + ```bash |
| 51 | + # This requires an interactive terminal (not batch mode) |
| 52 | + # Make sure you're in a terminal with TTY access |
| 53 | + gpg --expert --edit-key YOUR_MAIN_KEY_ID |
| 54 | + |
| 55 | + # In the GPG prompt: |
| 56 | + # 1. Type: addkey |
| 57 | + # 2. Select: (4) RSA (sign only) |
| 58 | + # 3. Choose key size: 4096 (or your preference) |
| 59 | + # 4. Set expiration: 0 (no expiration) or a specific date |
| 60 | + # 5. Confirm: y |
| 61 | + # 6. Enter your main key passphrase |
| 62 | + # 7. Type: save |
| 63 | + ``` |
| 64 | + |
| 65 | + **Note**: If you get "can't do this in batch mode" error, you need to: |
| 66 | + - Run it in an interactive terminal (not through a script) |
| 67 | + - Or use Option A with `--quick-add-key` which works in batch mode |
| 68 | + |
| 69 | +3. **Export the Signing Subkey** |
| 70 | + ```bash |
| 71 | + # List keys again to see the new subkey |
| 72 | + gpg --list-secret-keys --keyid-format LONG YOUR_MAIN_KEY_ID |
| 73 | + # Look for the "ssb" line - that's your signing subkey |
| 74 | + # Note the SUBKEY_ID (the long hex string after "ssb") |
| 75 | + |
| 76 | + # Export ONLY the subkeys (not the main key) |
| 77 | + # This exports all subkeys of the main key, which is fine |
| 78 | + gpg --armor --export-secret-subkeys YOUR_MAIN_KEY_ID > gpg-signing-subkey.asc |
| 79 | + |
| 80 | + # Get the subkey fingerprint (this is what GoReleaser will use) |
| 81 | + # Use --with-subkey-fingerprints to show subkey fingerprints |
| 82 | + gpg --fingerprint --with-subkey-fingerprints YOUR_MAIN_KEY_ID |
| 83 | + |
| 84 | + # Or use --list-secret-keys with LONG format to see subkey IDs |
| 85 | + gpg --list-secret-keys --keyid-format LONG YOUR_MAIN_KEY_ID |
| 86 | + |
| 87 | + # The signing subkey will show as "ssb" with [S] flag |
| 88 | + # Example output: |
| 89 | + # ssb rsa4096/ABC123DEF4567890 2024-01-01 [S] [expires: never] |
| 90 | + # └─ This is the subkey ID (short form, 16 chars) |
| 91 | + # |
| 92 | + # To get the full 40-character fingerprint of a specific subkey: |
| 93 | + gpg --fingerprint --with-subkey-fingerprints YOUR_MAIN_KEY_ID | grep -A 1 "\[S\]" |
| 94 | + # This will show the signing subkey with its full fingerprint |
| 95 | + ``` |
| 96 | + |
| 97 | +4. **Verify Subkey Export** |
| 98 | + ```bash |
| 99 | + # Verify only the subkey was exported (not the main key) |
| 100 | + gpg --list-packets gpg-signing-subkey.asc | grep -E "(keyid|secret)" |
| 101 | + # Should only show the subkey, not the main key |
| 102 | + ``` |
| 103 | + |
| 104 | +3. **Store in GitHub Secrets** |
| 105 | + - Add `GPG_PRIVATE_KEY`: The ASCII-armored subkey content from `gpg-signing-subkey.asc` |
| 106 | + - Add `GPG_FINGERPRINT`: The subkey fingerprint (40-character hex string) |
| 107 | + - Add `GPG_PASSPHRASE`: The passphrase for your main key (required for password-protected keys) |
| 108 | + |
| 109 | + **Important**: Store the subkey, not your main key! This way your main key stays secure. |
| 110 | + |
| 111 | +### Phase 2: GitHub Actions Workflow Updates |
| 112 | + |
| 113 | +**Objective**: Configure the release job to import and use GPG key |
| 114 | + |
| 115 | +1. **Update `.github/workflows/main.yml`** - Uncomment and enhance the release job: |
| 116 | + |
| 117 | + ```yaml |
| 118 | + release: |
| 119 | + name: Release |
| 120 | + needs: [tests] |
| 121 | + if: ( startsWith( github.ref, 'refs/tags/v' ) || |
| 122 | + startsWith(github.ref, 'refs/tags/v0.0.0-rc') ) |
| 123 | + runs-on: ubuntu-22.04 |
| 124 | + permissions: |
| 125 | + contents: write # Required for creating releases |
| 126 | + id-token: write # Required for OIDC if using |
| 127 | + steps: |
| 128 | + - name: Checkout Git repo |
| 129 | + uses: actions/checkout@v4 |
| 130 | + with: |
| 131 | + fetch-depth: 0 # Full history needed for changelog |
| 132 | + |
| 133 | + - name: Set up Go |
| 134 | + uses: actions/setup-go@v4 |
| 135 | + with: |
| 136 | + go-version-file: go.mod |
| 137 | + |
| 138 | + - name: Import GPG Subkey |
| 139 | + env: |
| 140 | + GPG_PRIVATE_KEY: ${{ secrets.GPG_PRIVATE_KEY }} |
| 141 | + GPG_FINGERPRINT: ${{ secrets.GPG_FINGERPRINT }} |
| 142 | + GPG_PASSPHRASE: ${{ secrets.GPG_PASSPHRASE }} |
| 143 | + run: | |
| 144 | + # Create GPG directory |
| 145 | + mkdir -p ~/.gnupg |
| 146 | + chmod 700 ~/.gnupg |
| 147 | + |
| 148 | + # Configure GPG for non-interactive use with passphrase |
| 149 | + echo "use-agent" >> ~/.gnupg/gpg.conf |
| 150 | + echo "pinentry-mode loopback" >> ~/.gnupg/gpg.conf |
| 151 | + echo "allow-loopback-pinentry" >> ~/.gnupg/gpg.conf |
| 152 | + |
| 153 | + # Start gpg-agent with loopback pinentry |
| 154 | + gpg-agent --daemon --allow-loopback-pinentry |
| 155 | + |
| 156 | + # Import the subkey |
| 157 | + echo "$GPG_PRIVATE_KEY" | gpg --batch --import --passphrase "$GPG_PASSPHRASE" |
| 158 | + |
| 159 | + # Trust the key (required for signing) |
| 160 | + # Use ultimate trust (6) for the subkey |
| 161 | + echo "$GPG_FINGERPRINT:6:" | gpg --import-ownertrust |
| 162 | + |
| 163 | + # Verify key is available and can sign |
| 164 | + gpg --list-secret-keys --keyid-format LONG |
| 165 | + |
| 166 | + # Test signing capability |
| 167 | + echo "test" | gpg --batch --pinentry-mode loopback --passphrase "$GPG_PASSPHRASE" --sign --armor |
| 168 | + |
| 169 | + - name: Run GoReleaser |
| 170 | + uses: goreleaser/goreleaser-action@v6 |
| 171 | + with: |
| 172 | + distribution: goreleaser |
| 173 | + version: '~> v2' |
| 174 | + args: release --clean --skip=validate |
| 175 | + env: |
| 176 | + GITHUB_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }} |
| 177 | + GPG_FINGERPRINT: ${{ secrets.GPG_FINGERPRINT }} |
| 178 | + GPG_PASSPHRASE: ${{ secrets.GPG_PASSPHRASE }} |
| 179 | + GPG_TTY: $(tty) # Ensure GPG can access TTY if needed |
| 180 | + ``` |
| 181 | +
|
| 182 | +### Phase 3: GoReleaser Configuration Updates |
| 183 | +
|
| 184 | +**Objective**: Update `.goreleaser.yml` to sign all artifacts (not just checksums) |
| 185 | + |
| 186 | +1. **Update Signing Configuration** in `.goreleaser.yml`: |
| 187 | + - Sign checksums (already configured) |
| 188 | + - Sign all binaries/archives (add this) |
| 189 | + - Add `--pinentry-mode loopback` for passphrase handling |
| 190 | + - Add `--passphrase` flag to use GPG_PASSPHRASE environment variable |
| 191 | + |
| 192 | +2. **Updated `.goreleaser.yml` signing section**: |
| 193 | + ```yaml |
| 194 | + signs: |
| 195 | + - artifacts: checksum |
| 196 | + args: |
| 197 | + - "--batch" |
| 198 | + - "--pinentry-mode" |
| 199 | + - "loopback" |
| 200 | + - "--passphrase" |
| 201 | + - "{{ .Env.GPG_PASSPHRASE }}" |
| 202 | + - "--local-user" |
| 203 | + - "{{ .Env.GPG_FINGERPRINT }}" |
| 204 | + - "--output" |
| 205 | + - "${signature}" |
| 206 | + - "--detach-sign" |
| 207 | + - "${artifact}" |
| 208 | + - artifacts: archive |
| 209 | + args: |
| 210 | + - "--batch" |
| 211 | + - "--pinentry-mode" |
| 212 | + - "loopback" |
| 213 | + - "--passphrase" |
| 214 | + - "{{ .Env.GPG_PASSPHRASE }}" |
| 215 | + - "--local-user" |
| 216 | + - "{{ .Env.GPG_FINGERPRINT }}" |
| 217 | + - "--output" |
| 218 | + - "${signature}" |
| 219 | + - "--detach-sign" |
| 220 | + - "${artifact}" |
| 221 | + ``` |
| 222 | + |
| 223 | +3. **Alternative: Sign binaries directly** (if you want to sign the binaries themselves): |
| 224 | + ```yaml |
| 225 | + signs: |
| 226 | + - artifacts: binary |
| 227 | + args: |
| 228 | + - "--batch" |
| 229 | + - "--pinentry-mode" |
| 230 | + - "loopback" |
| 231 | + - "--passphrase" |
| 232 | + - "{{ .Env.GPG_PASSPHRASE }}" |
| 233 | + - "--local-user" |
| 234 | + - "{{ .Env.GPG_FINGERPRINT }}" |
| 235 | + - "--output" |
| 236 | + - "${signature}" |
| 237 | + - "--detach-sign" |
| 238 | + - "${artifact}" |
| 239 | + - artifacts: checksum |
| 240 | + # ... same as above |
| 241 | + ``` |
| 242 | + |
| 243 | +### Phase 4: Testing and Validation |
| 244 | + |
| 245 | +**Objective**: Ensure the signing works correctly |
| 246 | + |
| 247 | +1. **Test Workflow**: |
| 248 | + - Create a test tag (e.g., `v0.0.0-test`) |
| 249 | + - Push tag to trigger workflow |
| 250 | + - Verify release is created |
| 251 | + - Download and verify GPG signature: |
| 252 | + ```bash |
| 253 | + gpg --verify terraform-provider-mysql_VERSION_SHA256SUMS.sig terraform-provider-mysql_VERSION_SHA256SUMS |
| 254 | + ``` |
| 255 | + |
| 256 | +2. **Verify Signatures**: |
| 257 | + - Check that `.sig` files are created |
| 258 | + - Verify signatures are valid |
| 259 | + - Ensure public key can be found (consider uploading to keyserver or GitHub) |
| 260 | + |
| 261 | +### Phase 5: Documentation Updates |
| 262 | + |
| 263 | +**Objective**: Document the setup for future reference |
| 264 | + |
| 265 | +1. **Update README.md**: |
| 266 | + - Add section on GitHub Actions GPG signing setup |
| 267 | + - Document required secrets |
| 268 | + - Add verification instructions |
| 269 | + |
| 270 | +2. **Create Setup Guide** (optional): |
| 271 | + - Step-by-step guide for setting up GPG keys |
| 272 | + - Instructions for adding GitHub secrets |
| 273 | + - Troubleshooting section |
| 274 | + |
| 275 | +## Security Considerations |
| 276 | + |
| 277 | +1. **Key Management**: |
| 278 | + - ✅ **Use a subkey** (not your main key) - This is the recommended approach! |
| 279 | + - Your main key stays secure on your local machine |
| 280 | + - Only the signing subkey is exported and stored in GitHub Secrets |
| 281 | + - If the subkey is compromised, you can revoke it without affecting your main key |
| 282 | + - Rotate subkeys periodically (create new ones, revoke old ones) |
| 283 | + - Store subkey securely in GitHub Secrets (encrypted at rest) |
| 284 | + |
| 285 | +2. **Subkey Benefits**: |
| 286 | + - Main key never leaves your machine |
| 287 | + - Subkeys can be scoped to specific capabilities (signing only) |
| 288 | + - Revocation is easier and doesn't affect your main identity |
| 289 | + - Can create multiple subkeys for different purposes |
| 290 | + |
| 291 | +2. **Access Control**: |
| 292 | + - Limit who can modify GitHub Secrets |
| 293 | + - Use branch protection rules for release tags |
| 294 | + - Consider using GitHub Environments for additional protection |
| 295 | + |
| 296 | +3. **Key Exposure**: |
| 297 | + - Never commit private keys to repository |
| 298 | + - Use GitHub Secrets (not environment variables in workflow files) |
| 299 | + - Consider using GitHub's OIDC for enhanced security |
| 300 | + |
| 301 | +## Alternative Approaches |
| 302 | + |
| 303 | +If GPG signing continues to be problematic: |
| 304 | + |
| 305 | +1. **Cosign**: Use Sigstore/cosign for code signing (modern alternative) |
| 306 | +2. **GitHub's Built-in Signing**: Use GitHub's automatic code signing (if available) |
| 307 | +3. **Skip Signing**: Accept unsigned releases (not recommended for production) |
| 308 | + |
| 309 | +## Implementation Checklist |
| 310 | + |
| 311 | +- [ ] List existing GPG keys to find main key ID |
| 312 | +- [ ] Create signing subkey from main key |
| 313 | +- [ ] Export signing subkey (not main key!) |
| 314 | +- [ ] Add `GPG_PRIVATE_KEY` secret to GitHub (subkey only) |
| 315 | +- [ ] Add `GPG_FINGERPRINT` secret to GitHub (subkey fingerprint) |
| 316 | +- [ ] Add `GPG_PASSPHRASE` secret to GitHub (main key passphrase) |
| 317 | +- [ ] Update `.goreleaser.yml` to sign all artifacts |
| 318 | +- [ ] Update GitHub Actions workflow with GPG import steps |
| 319 | +- [ ] Test with a release tag |
| 320 | +- [ ] Verify signatures work (checksums and archives) |
| 321 | +- [ ] Update documentation |
| 322 | +- [ ] Enable release job |
| 323 | +- [ ] Test full release process |
| 324 | + |
| 325 | +## References |
| 326 | + |
| 327 | +- [GoReleaser Signing Documentation](https://goreleaser.com/customization/sign/) |
| 328 | +- [GitHub Actions GPG Signing Guide](https://docs.github.com/en/actions/security-guides/encrypted-secrets) |
| 329 | +- [GPG Batch Mode Documentation](https://www.gnupg.org/documentation/manuals/gnupg/GPG-Configuration.html) |
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