Generate CSR for Apache-SSL Print

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Problem

Generate CSR for Apache-SSL
Generate CSR for Apache

Resolution
To generate a CSR on Apache, perform the following steps;

To generate a CSR, a key pair must be created for the server. These two items are a digital certificate key pair and cannot be separated. If the public/private key file or password is lost or changed before the SSL certificate is installed, the SSL certificate will need to be re-issued. The private key, CSR, and certificate must all match in order for the installation to be successful.

The following sequence of commands will generate a 2048 bit key, encrypt it using the triple-DES cipher, and create a CSR based upon it (they assume that openssl is in the path - if not then prefix the openssl command with the path to the binary). It is recommended to use the domain name that will be used for the certificate as the core of the filenames. Also make sure that any existing keys and CSR's are NOT overwritten.

RapidSSL & TechMania-Hosts both recommend that you contact the Apache-SSL vendor for additional information.

1. Generate Private Key
   The utility "OpenSSL" is used to generate the key and CSR. This utility comes with the OpenSSL package and is usually installed under /usr/local/ssl/bin. If the utility was installed elsewhere, these instructions will need to be adjusted accordingly.
   
   Type the following command at the prompt:
   openssl genrsa �des3 �out examplePrivateKey.key 2048
   This command generates a 2048 bit RSA private key and stores it in the file examplePrivateKey.key.�
   
   Note: For all SSL certificates, the CSR key bit length must be 2048.
   
   When prompted for a pass phrase: enter a secure password and remember it, as this pass phrase is what protects the private key. Both the private key and the certificate are required to enable SSL.
   
   NOTE: To bypass the pass phrase requirement, omit the -des3 option when generating the private key. If the private key is left unprotected, RapidSSL recommends access to the server be restricted so that only authorized server administrators can access or read the private key file.
   
   
2. Generate the CSR
   Type the following command at the prompt:
   openssl req �new �key examplePrivateKey.key �out exampleCSR.csr
   
   This command will prompt for the following X.509 attributes of the certificate:
   Country Name: Use the two-letter code without punctuation for country, for example: US or CA.
   
   State or Province: Spell out the state completely; do not abbreviate the state or province name, for example: California
   
   Locality or City: The Locality field is the city or town name, for example: Berkeley. Do not abbreviate. For example: Saint Louis, not St. Louis
   
   Company: If the company or department has an &, @, or any other symbol using the shift key in its name, the symbol must be spelled out or omitted, in order to enroll. Example: XY & Z Corporation would be XYZ Corporation or XY and Z Corporation.
   
   Organizational Unit: This field is optional; but can be used to help identify certificates registered to an organization. The Organizational Unit (OU) field is the name of the department or organization unit making the request. To skip the OU field, press Enter on the keyboard
   
   Common Name: The Common Name is the Host + Domain Name. It looks like "www.techmania-hosts.com" or "techmania-hosts.com".
   
   RapidSSL certificates can only be used on Web servers using the Common Name specified during enrollment. For example, a certificate for the domain "techmania-hosts.com" will receive a warning if accessing a site named "www.techmania-hosts.com" or "secure.techmania-hosts.com", because "www.techmania-hosts.com" and "secure.techmania-hosts.com" are different from "techmania-hosts.com".
   
   Please do not enter an email address, challenge password or an optional company name when generating the CSR.
   
   A public/private key pair has now been created. The private key (examplePrivateKey.key) is stored locally on the server machine and is used for decryption. The public portion, in the form of a Certificate Signing Request (exampleCSR.csr), will be for certificate enrollment.
   
   To copy and paste the information into the enrollment form, open the file in a text editor such as Notepad or Vi and save it as a .txt file. Do not use Microsoft Word as it may insert extra hidden characters that will alter the contents of the CSR.
   
   
3. Backup the private key
   TechMania-Hosts & RapidSSL�recommends backing up the .key file and storing of the corresponding pass phrase. A good choice is to create a copy of this file onto a diskette or other removable media. While backing up the private key is not required, having one will be helpful in the instance of server failure.
   
   Contact Information
   During the verification process, RapidSSL may need to contact your organization. Be sure to provide an email address, phone number, and fax number that will be checked and responded to quickly. These fields are not part of the certificate.
   
   

* Last updated: 2nd March 2011.

Disclaimer
TechMania-Hosts and RapidSSL has made efforts to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information in this document. However, RapidSSL makes no warranties of any kind (whether express, implied or statutory) with respect to the information contained herein. RapidSSL assumes no liability to any party for any loss or damage (whether direct or indirect) caused by any errors, omissions, or statements of any kind contained in this document. Further, RapidSSL assumes no liability arising from the application or use of the product or service described herein and specifically disclaims any representation that the products or services described herein do not infringe upon any existing or future intellectual property rights. Nothing herein grants the reader any license to make, use, or sell equipment or products constructed in accordance with this document. Finally, all rights and privileges related to any intellectual property right described herein are vested in the patent, trademark, or service mark owner, and no other person may exercise such rights without express permission, authority, or license secured from the patent, trademark, or service mark owner. RapidSSL reserves the right to make changes to any information herein without further notice.

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