Overview
`openssl pkcs12` is a subcommand of the OpenSSL toolkit, specialized for handling PKCS#12 format files. This command allows you to bundle (export) a private key and certificate into a PKCS#12 file, or extract (import) a private key and certificate from a PKCS#12 file.
Key Features
- Export private key and certificate to a PKCS#12 file
- Extract private key from a PKCS#12 file
- Extract certificate from a PKCS#12 file
- Change the password of a PKCS#12 file
Key Options
The `openssl pkcs12` command offers various options to finely control the creation, extraction, and encryption methods of PKCS#12 files.
Basic Operations and File I/O
Passwords and Security
Extraction and Filtering
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`openssl pkcs12` Executes the command.
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Usage Examples
Here are some common scenarios for managing PKCS#12 files using the `openssl pkcs12` command.
Export Private Key and Certificate to PKCS#12 File
openssl pkcs12 -export -out output.p12 -inkey key.pem -in cert.pem -name "My Certificate"Bundles the private key (key.pem) and certificate (cert.pem) into a single PKCS#12 file (output.p12). A password is set during this process.
Extract Private Key from PKCS#12 File
openssl pkcs12 -in input.p12 -nocerts -out key.pem -nodesExtracts the private key from an encrypted PKCS#12 file (input.p12) and saves it to key.pem. You will be prompted to enter the password for the PKCS#12 file.
Extract Certificate from PKCS#12 File
openssl pkcs12 -in input.p12 -nokeys -out cert.pemExtracts only the certificate from the PKCS#12 file (input.p12) and saves it to cert.pem. You will be prompted to enter the password for the PKCS#12 file.
Change Password of a PKCS#12 File
openssl pkcs12 -in old.p12 -out new.p12 -passin pass:old_password -passout pass:new_passwordChanges the password of an existing PKCS#12 file (old.p12) to a new password and saves it as new.p12. Passwords are specified using the `-passin` and `-passout` options.
Installation
The `openssl pkcs12` command is part of the OpenSSL package. OpenSSL is usually installed by default on most Linux distributions. If it is not installed, you can install it using the following commands:
Debian/Ubuntu
sudo apt update && sudo apt install opensslInstall OpenSSL using the APT package manager.
CentOS/RHEL/Fedora
sudo yum install openssl
# or
sudo dnf install opensslInstall OpenSSL using the YUM or DNF package manager.
Tips & Precautions
PKCS#12 files contain sensitive private keys, so exercise extreme caution when using them.
Security Considerations
- **Use Strong Passwords**: The password for PKCS#12 files should be sufficiently long and complex to resist brute-force attacks.
- **Prevent Password Exposure**: Instead of directly entering passwords with the `-passin` or `-passout` options, it is recommended to use formats like `env:VAR_NAME` or `file:path` to avoid leaving passwords in your shell history.
- **Caution with `-nodes`**: The `-nodes` option, which outputs the private key without encryption, is very dangerous. Use it only when absolutely necessary and ensure the security of the extracted key file.
- **Backup**: Always back up important certificates and keys in a secure location.
OpenSSL Version Compatibility
There might be differences in some options or default behaviors between OpenSSL versions. If you encounter issues, it is advisable to consult the official documentation for your specific OpenSSL version (e.g., `man openssl-pkcs12`).