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Set up a personal VPN in the cloud

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Quick Overview

The trailofbits/algo repository is a collection of cryptographic algorithms and protocols implemented in various programming languages. It serves as a reference implementation and educational resource for developers and researchers interested in understanding and working with cryptographic primitives.

Pros

  • Comprehensive Collection: The repository covers a wide range of cryptographic algorithms and protocols, providing a one-stop-shop for developers.
  • Multiple Language Support: The algorithms are implemented in various programming languages, including Python, Go, Rust, and more, catering to different development environments.
  • Educational Resource: The project serves as an educational resource, allowing developers to study and understand the inner workings of cryptographic primitives.
  • Open-Source: The project is open-source, encouraging community contributions and collaboration.

Cons

  • Lack of Maintenance: The project appears to have limited active maintenance, with some issues and pull requests remaining unaddressed for an extended period.
  • Potential Security Concerns: As a reference implementation, the code may not have undergone rigorous security audits, and using it in production environments may require additional scrutiny.
  • Inconsistent Documentation: The documentation across the different language implementations can be inconsistent, making it challenging for newcomers to navigate the project.
  • Limited Testing: The project may not have comprehensive test suites for all the implemented algorithms, which could impact the reliability and correctness of the implementations.

Code Examples

Here are a few code examples from the trailofbits/algo repository:

AES-GCM Encryption in Python

from cryptography.hazmat.primitives.ciphers import Cipher, algorithms, modes
from cryptography.hazmat.backends import default_backend

# Generate a random 256-bit key
key = os.urandom(32)

# Create an AES-GCM cipher object
cipher = Cipher(algorithms.AES(key), modes.GCM(iv), backend=default_backend())
encryptor = cipher.encryptor()

# Encrypt the plaintext
plaintext = b"This is a secret message."
ciphertext = encryptor.update(plaintext) + encryptor.finalize()
tag = encryptor.tag

# Decrypt the ciphertext
decryptor = cipher.decryptor()
decrypted_text = decryptor.update(ciphertext) + decryptor.finalize()

This code demonstrates how to use the cryptography library in Python to perform AES-GCM encryption and decryption.

Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA) in Go

import (
    "crypto/ecdsa"
    "crypto/elliptic"
    "crypto/rand"
    "crypto/sha256"
    "fmt"
)

// Generate a new ECDSA private key
privateKey, err := ecdsa.GenerateKey(elliptic.P256(), rand.Reader)
if err != nil {
    panic(err)
}

// Sign a message using the ECDSA private key
message := []byte("Hello, world!")
hash := sha256.Sum256(message)
r, s, err := ecdsa.Sign(rand.Reader, privateKey, hash[:])
if err != nil {
    panic(err)
}

// Verify the signature using the ECDSA public key
publicKey := &privateKey.PublicKey
if !ecdsa.Verify(publicKey, hash[:], r, s) {
    fmt.Println("Invalid signature")
} else {
    fmt.Println("Valid signature")
}

This Go code demonstrates how to generate an ECDSA private key, sign a message, and verify the signature using the corresponding public key.

Getting Started

To get started with the trailofbits/algo repository, follow these steps:

  1. Clone the repository:

    git clone https://github.com/trailofbits/algo.git

  2. Navigate to the cloned repository:

    cd algo

  3. Explore the different language-specific directories, such as python, go, and rust, to find the implementations of the cryptographic algorithms and protocols.

  4. Review the README files in each directory for instructions on how to use the

Competitor Comparisons

StreisandEffect logo

streisand

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Streisand sets up a new server running your choice of WireGuard, OpenConnect, OpenSSH, OpenVPN, Shadowsocks, sslh, Stunnel, or a Tor bridge. It also generates custom instructions for all of these services. At the end of the run you are given an HTML file with instructions that can be shared with friends, family members, and fellow activists.

Pros of Streisand

  • Supports a wider range of VPN protocols and services
  • Offers more customization options for advanced users
  • Includes additional privacy-enhancing tools like Tor bridges

Cons of Streisand

  • More complex setup process
  • Requires more server resources due to multiple services
  • Less frequent updates and maintenance

Code Comparison

Streisand (Python):

def get_ip():
    s = socket.socket(socket.AF_INET, socket.SOCK_DGRAM)
    s.connect(("8.8.8.8", 80))
    return s.getsockname()[0]

Algo (Ansible):

- name: Get public IP address
  uri:
    url: https://api.ipify.org
    return_content: yes
  register: public_ip

Both projects aim to simplify VPN deployment, but they take different approaches. Streisand offers a broader range of services and customization options, making it suitable for advanced users who need flexibility. However, this comes at the cost of increased complexity and resource requirements.

Algo, on the other hand, focuses on simplicity and security, providing a more streamlined setup process and regular updates. It's better suited for users who prioritize ease of use and maintenance.

The code snippets demonstrate the different approaches: Streisand uses Python for its core functionality, while Algo relies on Ansible for configuration management and deployment.

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openvpn-install

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Pros of openvpn-install

  • Simpler setup process with a single script
  • More flexible and customizable for advanced users
  • Wider compatibility with various devices and operating systems

Cons of openvpn-install

  • Less focus on security hardening compared to algo
  • Requires more manual configuration for optimal security settings
  • May be overwhelming for novice users due to numerous options

Code Comparison

openvpn-install:

#!/bin/bash
# OpenVPN installer for Debian, Ubuntu and CentOS

# Function to get random port
get_random_port() {
    ...
}

algo:

#!/usr/bin/env python3
# -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
import sys
import os
import errno
import json

The openvpn-install script is written in Bash, focusing on a straightforward installation process. In contrast, algo uses Python, which allows for more complex operations and better cross-platform compatibility.

openvpn-install provides a more traditional VPN setup, while algo emphasizes security and ease of use for less technical users. algo automates many security-focused configurations, whereas openvpn-install offers more flexibility but requires manual security enhancements.

Both projects aim to simplify VPN deployment, but they cater to different user needs and preferences. openvpn-install is better suited for users who want more control over their VPN setup, while algo is ideal for those prioritizing security and simplicity.

hwdsl2 logo

setup-ipsec-vpn

25,126

Scripts to build your own IPsec VPN server, with IPsec/L2TP, Cisco IPsec and IKEv2

Pros of setup-ipsec-vpn

  • Simpler setup process, suitable for users with less technical expertise
  • Supports a wider range of operating systems, including Windows and macOS
  • More flexible in terms of VPN protocol options (IPsec/L2TP, IPsec/XAuth)

Cons of setup-ipsec-vpn

  • Less focus on security hardening compared to algo
  • Fewer advanced features and customization options
  • Limited to IPsec-based protocols, which may have performance drawbacks

Code Comparison

setup-ipsec-vpn:

wget https://git.io/vpnsetup -O vpnsetup.sh
sudo sh vpnsetup.sh

algo:

git clone https://github.com/trailofbits/algo.git
cd algo
python3 -m virtualenv --python="$(command -v python3)" .env
source .env/bin/activate

The setup-ipsec-vpn script is more straightforward, requiring fewer steps for basic deployment. algo's setup involves more steps but offers greater control and customization options.

Both projects aim to simplify VPN deployment, but they cater to different user needs. setup-ipsec-vpn is more accessible for beginners, while algo focuses on security-conscious users who require advanced features and are comfortable with command-line operations.

pivpn logo

pivpn

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The Simplest VPN installer, designed for Raspberry Pi

Pros of PiVPN

  • Simpler setup process, ideal for beginners
  • Supports both OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols
  • Designed specifically for Raspberry Pi, optimized for low-power devices

Cons of PiVPN

  • Less comprehensive security features compared to Algo
  • Limited to Raspberry Pi and Debian-based systems
  • Fewer advanced configuration options

Code Comparison

PiVPN (install.sh):

setupVars="/etc/pivpn/setupVars.conf"
pivpnFilesDir="/etc/pivpn"
pivpnScriptDir="/opt/pivpn"

Algo (algo.sh):

ALGO_DIR=$(dirname "$(readlink -f "$0")")
CONFIGS_DIR="$ALGO_DIR/configs"
ROLES_DIR="$ALGO_DIR/roles"

Both projects use shell scripts for installation and configuration. PiVPN's approach is more straightforward, focusing on specific directories for its setup. Algo's structure suggests a more complex setup with roles and configurations, indicating its broader scope and flexibility.

PiVPN is better suited for users seeking a simple VPN solution on Raspberry Pi, while Algo offers a more comprehensive and secure VPN deployment across various cloud providers and operating systems. Algo's approach is more suitable for advanced users and organizations with stricter security requirements.

OpenVPN logo

easy-rsa

4,030

easy-rsa - Simple shell based CA utility

Pros of easy-rsa

  • More flexible and customizable for advanced users
  • Widely adopted and well-established in the OpenVPN ecosystem
  • Supports a broader range of certificate operations

Cons of easy-rsa

  • Requires more manual configuration and setup
  • Less user-friendly for beginners
  • May have a steeper learning curve compared to Algo

Code Comparison

easy-rsa:

./easyrsa init-pki
./easyrsa build-ca
./easyrsa gen-req server nopass
./easyrsa sign-req server server

Algo:

- name: Configure StrongSwan
  include_role:
    name: vpn
  vars:
    vpn_type: ipsec

easy-rsa focuses on certificate management with a command-line interface, while Algo uses Ansible playbooks for automated VPN setup. easy-rsa provides more granular control over certificate operations, whereas Algo simplifies the process with pre-configured settings.

easy-rsa is better suited for users who need fine-grained control over their PKI infrastructure, while Algo offers a more streamlined, user-friendly approach to setting up a VPN server with sensible defaults and enhanced security features out of the box.

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README

Algo VPN

Twitter

Algo VPN is a set of Ansible scripts that simplify the setup of a personal WireGuard and IPsec VPN. It uses the most secure defaults available and works with common cloud providers. See our release announcement for more information.

Features

  • Supports only IKEv2 with strong crypto (AES-GCM, SHA2, and P-256) for iOS, macOS, and Linux
  • Supports WireGuard for all of the above, in addition to Android and Windows 10
  • Generates .conf files and QR codes for iOS, macOS, Android, and Windows WireGuard clients
  • Generates Apple profiles to auto-configure iOS and macOS devices for IPsec - no client software required
  • Includes a helper script to add and remove users
  • Blocks ads with a local DNS resolver (optional)
  • Sets up limited SSH users for tunneling traffic (optional)
  • Based on current versions of Ubuntu and strongSwan
  • Installs to DigitalOcean, Amazon Lightsail, Amazon EC2, Vultr, Microsoft Azure, Google Compute Engine, Scaleway, OpenStack, CloudStack, Hetzner Cloud, Linode, or your own Ubuntu server (for more advanced users)

Anti-features

  • Does not support legacy cipher suites or protocols like L2TP, IKEv1, or RSA
  • Does not install Tor, OpenVPN, or other risky servers
  • Does not depend on the security of TLS
  • Does not claim to provide anonymity or censorship avoidance
  • Does not claim to protect you from the FSB, MSS, DGSE, or FSM

Deploy the Algo Server

The easiest way to get an Algo server running is to run it on your local system or from Google Cloud Shell and let it set up a new virtual machine in the cloud for you.

  1. Setup an account on a cloud hosting provider. Algo supports DigitalOcean (most user friendly), Amazon Lightsail, Amazon EC2, Vultr, Microsoft Azure, Google Compute Engine, Scaleway, DreamCompute, Linode, or other OpenStack-based cloud hosting, Exoscale or other CloudStack-based cloud hosting, or Hetzner Cloud.

  2. Get a copy of Algo. The Algo scripts will be installed on your local system. There are two ways to get a copy:

    • Download the ZIP file. Unzip the file to create a directory named algo-master containing the Algo scripts.

    • Use git clone to create a directory named algo containing the Algo scripts:

      git clone https://github.com/trailofbits/algo.git

  3. Install Algo's core dependencies. Algo requires that Python 3.10 or later and at least one supporting package are installed on your system.

    • macOS: Catalina (10.15) and higher includes Python 3 as part of the optional Command Line Developer Tools package. From Terminal run:

      python3 -m pip install --user --upgrade virtualenv

      If prompted, install the Command Line Developer Tools and re-run the above command.

      For macOS versions prior to Catalina, see Deploy from macOS for information on installing Python 3 .

    • Linux: Recent releases of Ubuntu, Debian, and Fedora come with Python 3 already installed. If your Python version is not 3.10, then you will need to use pyenv to install Python 3.10. Make sure your system is up-to-date and install the supporting package(s):

      • Ubuntu and Debian:

        sudo apt install -y --no-install-recommends python3-virtualenv file lookup

        On a Raspberry Pi running Ubuntu also install libffi-dev and libssl-dev.

      • Fedora:

        sudo dnf install -y python3-virtualenv

    • Windows: Use the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) to create your own copy of Ubuntu running under Windows from which to install and run Algo. See the Windows documentation for more information.

  4. Install Algo's remaining dependencies. You'll need to run these commands from the Algo directory each time you download a new copy of Algo. In a Terminal window cd into the algo-master (ZIP file) or algo (git clone) directory and run:

    python3 -m virtualenv --python="$(command -v python3)" .env &&
  source .env/bin/activate &&
  python3 -m pip install -U pip virtualenv &&
  python3 -m pip install -r requirements.txt

    On Fedora first run export TMPDIR=/var/tmp, then add the option --system-site-packages to the first command above (after python3 -m virtualenv). On macOS install the C compiler if prompted.

  5. Set your configuration options. Open the file config.cfg in your favorite text editor. Specify the users you wish to create in the users list. Create a unique user for each device you plan to connect to your VPN.

Note: [IKEv2 Only] If you want to add or delete users later, you must select yes at the Do you want to retain the keys (PKI)? prompt during the server deployment. You should also review the other options before deployment, as changing your mind about them later may require you to deploy a brand new server.

  1. Start the deployment. Return to your terminal. In the Algo directory, run ./algo and follow the instructions. There are several optional features available, none of which are required for a fully functional VPN server. These optional features are described in greater detail in here.

That's it! You will get the message below when the server deployment process completes. Take note of the p12 (user certificate) password and the CA key in case you need them later, they will only be displayed this time.

You can now set up clients to connect to your VPN. Proceed to Configure the VPN Clients below.

    "#                          Congratulations!                            #"
    "#                     Your Algo server is running.                     #"
    "#    Config files and certificates are in the ./configs/ directory.    #"
    "#              Go to https://whoer.net/ after connecting               #"
    "#        and ensure that all your traffic passes through the VPN.      #"
    "#                     Local DNS resolver 172.16.0.1                    #"
    "#        The p12 and SSH keys password for new users is XXXXXXXX       #"
    "#        The CA key password is XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX       #"
    "#      Shell access: ssh -F configs/<server_ip>/ssh_config <hostname>  #"

Configure the VPN Clients

Certificates and configuration files that users will need are placed in the configs directory. Make sure to secure these files since many contain private keys. All files are saved under a subdirectory named with the IP address of your new Algo VPN server.

Apple Devices

WireGuard is used to provide VPN services on Apple devices. Algo generates a WireGuard configuration file, wireguard/<username>.conf, and a QR code, wireguard/<username>.png, for each user defined in config.cfg.

On iOS, install the WireGuard app from the iOS App Store. Then, use the WireGuard app to scan the QR code or AirDrop the configuration file to the device.

On macOS Mojave or later, install the WireGuard app from the Mac App Store. WireGuard will appear in the menu bar once you run the app. Click on the WireGuard icon, choose Import tunnel(s) from file..., then select the appropriate WireGuard configuration file.

On either iOS or macOS, you can enable "Connect on Demand" and/or exclude certain trusted Wi-Fi networks (such as your home or work) by editing the tunnel configuration in the WireGuard app. (Algo can't do this automatically for you.)

Installing WireGuard is a little more complicated on older version of macOS. See Using macOS as a Client with WireGuard.

If you prefer to use the built-in IPSEC VPN on Apple devices, or need "Connect on Demand" or excluded Wi-Fi networks automatically configured, then see Using Apple Devices as a Client with IPSEC.

Android Devices

WireGuard is used to provide VPN services on Android. Install the WireGuard VPN Client. Import the corresponding wireguard/<name>.conf file to your device, then setup a new connection with it. See the Android setup instructions for more detailed walkthrough.

Windows

WireGuard is used to provide VPN services on Windows. Algo generates a WireGuard configuration file, wireguard/<username>.conf, for each user defined in config.cfg.

Install the WireGuard VPN Client. Import the generated wireguard/<username>.conf file to your device, then setup a new connection with it.

Linux WireGuard Clients

WireGuard works great with Linux clients. See this page for an example of how to configure WireGuard on Ubuntu.

Linux strongSwan IPsec Clients (e.g., OpenWRT, Ubuntu Server, etc.)

Please see this page.

OpenWrt Wireguard Clients

Please see this page.

Other Devices

Depending on the platform, you may need one or multiple of the following files.

  • ipsec/manual/cacert.pem: CA Certificate
  • ipsec/manual/.p12: User Certificate and Private Key (in PKCS#12 format)
  • ipsec/manual/.conf: strongSwan client configuration
  • ipsec/manual/.secrets: strongSwan client configuration
  • ipsec/apple/.mobileconfig: Apple Profile
  • wireguard/.conf: WireGuard configuration profile
  • wireguard/.png: WireGuard configuration QR code

Setup an SSH Tunnel

If you turned on the optional SSH tunneling role, then local user accounts will be created for each user in config.cfg and SSH authorized_key files for them will be in the configs directory (user.ssh.pem). SSH user accounts do not have shell access, cannot authenticate with a password, and only have limited tunneling options (e.g., ssh -N is required). This ensures that SSH users have the least access required to setup a tunnel and can perform no other actions on the Algo server.

Use the example command below to start an SSH tunnel by replacing <user> and <ip> with your own. Once the tunnel is setup, you can configure a browser or other application to use 127.0.0.1:1080 as a SOCKS proxy to route traffic through the Algo server:

ssh -D 127.0.0.1:1080 -f -q -C -N <user>@algo -i configs/<ip>/ssh-tunnel/<user>.pem -F configs/<ip>/ssh_config

SSH into Algo Server

Your Algo server is configured for key-only SSH access for administrative purposes. Open the Terminal app, cd into the algo-master directory where you originally downloaded Algo, and then use the command listed on the success message:

ssh -F configs/<ip>/ssh_config <hostname>

where <ip> is the IP address of your Algo server. If you find yourself regularly logging into the server then it will be useful to load your Algo ssh key automatically. Add the following snippet to the bottom of ~/.bash_profile to add it to your shell environment permanently:

ssh-add ~/.ssh/algo > /dev/null 2>&1

Alternatively, you can choose to include the generated configuration for any Algo servers created into your SSH config. Edit the file ~/.ssh/config to include this directive at the top:

Include <algodirectory>/configs/*/ssh_config

where <algodirectory> is the directory where you cloned Algo.

Adding or Removing Users

If you chose to save the CA key during the deploy process, then Algo's own scripts can easily add and remove users from the VPN server.

  1. Update the users list in your config.cfg
  2. Open a terminal, cd to the algo directory, and activate the virtual environment with source .env/bin/activate
  3. Run the command: ./algo update-users

After this process completes, the Algo VPN server will contain only the users listed in the config.cfg file.

Additional Documentation

Setup Instructions for Specific Cloud Providers

Install and Deploy from Common Platforms

Setup VPN Clients to Connect to the Server

  • Setup Android clients
  • Setup Linux clients with Ansible
  • Setup Ubuntu clients to use WireGuard
  • Setup Linux clients to use IPsec
  • Setup Apple devices to use IPsec
  • Setup Macs running macOS 10.13 or older to use WireGuard

Advanced Deployment

If you've read all the documentation and have further questions, create a new discussion.

Endorsements

I've been ranting about the sorry state of VPN svcs for so long, probably about time to give a proper talk on the subject. TL;DR: use Algo.

-- Kenn White

Before picking a VPN provider/app, make sure you do some research https://research.csiro.au/ng/wp-content/uploads/sites/106/2016/08/paper-1.pdf ... – or consider Algo

-- The Register

Algo is really easy and secure.

-- the grugq

I played around with Algo VPN, a set of scripts that let you set up a VPN in the cloud in very little time, even if you don’t know much about development. I’ve got to say that I was quite impressed with Trail of Bits’ approach.

-- Romain Dillet for TechCrunch

If you’re uncomfortable shelling out the cash to an anonymous, random VPN provider, this is the best solution.

-- Thorin Klosowski for Lifehacker

Support Algo VPN

Flattr PayPal Patreon Bountysource

All donations support continued development. Thanks!

  • We accept donations via PayPal, Patreon, and Flattr.
  • Use our referral code when you sign up to Digital Ocean for a $10 credit.
  • We also accept and appreciate contributions of new code and bugfixes via Github Pull Requests.

Algo is licensed and distributed under the AGPLv3. If you want to distribute a closed-source modification or service based on Algo, then please consider purchasing an exception . As with the methods above, this will help support continued development.