ChefDK Updates: Enhanced Features and Security Upgrades

You've upgraded to the latest ChefDK release, which packs a slew of software updates, security fixes, and feature enhancements. OpenSSL updates address critical vulnerabilities, while the Git client update fixes multiple CVEs. Test Kitchen improvements prioritize safety and efficiency in cloud integrations. The Chef generate command now enables policyfiles by default for consistency and best practices. You'll also notice platform support and security upgrades, including discontinued support for outdated operating systems. As you explore these updates, you'll uncover even more improvements designed to streamline your workflow and enhance security.

Key Takeaways

• The latest ChefDK release includes a range of software updates and security fixes, discontinuing support for outdated platforms.
• OpenSSL updates address critical vulnerabilities like CVE-2020-1971, CVE-2020-1968, and CVE-2019-1551, ensuring secure interactions.
• Test Kitchen enhancements prioritize safety and efficiency in cloud integrations, with improved error handling and new configurations.
• The Chef generate command now enables Policyfiles by default, enhancing resource support and SSH key security with ed25519 keys.
• Breaking changes include the requirement to accept the Chef EULA and removal of legacy features to improve security and performance.

Software Updates and Security Fixes

You'll benefit from a range of software updates and security fixes in the latest ChefDK release, including the discontinuation of packages for Debian 8, RHEL/CentOS 6, and Windows 2008 R2. This means you'll no longer receive support for these outdated platforms.

Instead, you'll get OpenSSL updates that address critical vulnerabilities like CVE-2020-1971, CVE-2020-1968, and CVE-2019-1551. Additionally, the Git client has been updated to 2.24.1, fixing multiple CVEs.

You'll also receive feature enhancements and security patches for various components, including Test Kitchen, Chef InSpec, and Chef Infra Client. These updates will enhance your overall security posture and guarantee you're running with the latest, most secure software.

Test Kitchen Enhancements and Updates

What enhancements can you expect from the latest Test Kitchen updates, which include versions 2.7.2, 2.8.0, 2.11.2, and more?

You'll benefit from WinRM enhancements, specifically the enabled HTTP listener for kitchen-azurerm, which strengthens your cloud integrations.

Additionally, you'll experience improved error handling, allowing for more robust testing and deployment.

New configurations for various kitchen plugins, such as kitchen-dokken, kitchen-google, and kitchen-ec2, will also enhance your workflow.

These updates prioritize your safety and efficiency, ensuring seamless interactions with your cloud infrastructure.

Improved Chef Generate Command

Optimized for simplicity and best practices, the revamped chef generate command now includes Policyfiles by default in chef generate repo, streamlining your workflow and ensuring consistency across your cookbooks. This update brings several benefits to your development process.

Here are some key improvements:

• Policyfile integration is now enabled by default, promoting consistency and best practices

• Resource support has been enhanced, allowing for more flexibility in your cookbook development

• SSH key enhancements now support ed25519 keys, providing stronger security

• Simplified syntax and removal of unnecessary comments in chef generate cookbook make your code more readable

• New resources and configurations have been introduced, giving you more options for your cookbooks

Platform Support and Security Upgrades

As you refine your cookbooks with the enhanced chef generate command, it's equally crucial to verify your platforms are secure and up-to-date, which is why ChefDK has discontinued support for certain platforms and introduced security upgrades.

Take note of the platform migration recommendations to ensure a smooth shift. ChefDK has applied security patches to address vulnerabilities, including OpenSSL updates for CVE-2020-1971, CVE-2020-1968, and CVE-2019-1551. Additionally, the Git client has been updated to 2.24.1 to fix multiple CVEs.

Breaking Changes and Workflow Enhancements

You'll need to accept the Chef EULA for new versions, as this requirement is now enforced, and be aware of the end-of-life status for Chef Provisioning and related changes that impact your workflow.

These breaking changes aim to enhance your overall experience. Here are some key updates to take note of:

• Updates to the cookbook generation process with new flags and configurations
• Introduction of a build cookbook workflow to streamline your development process
• Removal of legacy features to improve overall security and performance
• Changes to the chef generate command to adhere to best practices
• New resources and support for ed25519 SSH keys in Chef InSpec and Chef Infra Client

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Handle Discontinued Chefdk Package Support for Older Platforms?

'Think of moving to a new platform as crossing a bridge: you must leave the old behind to reach the new. You'll need a solid migration strategy to overcome compatibility issues, ensuring a smooth shift from legacy support to platform upgrades, prioritizing safety and security.'

Will Existing Cookbooks Need to Be Rewritten for the New Chef Generate Command?

You won't need to completely rewrite existing cookbooks, but you'll need to adapt them for the new chef generate command, ensuring cookbook compatibility and code migration, while leveraging legacy support and workflow integration for a smooth shift.

Can I Still Use Chef Provisioning in My Current Workflow Setup?

You're likely among the 70% of users still relying on Chef Provisioning, but sadly, it's now end-of-life, making it incompatible with your current workflow setup; provisioning integration will require a major overhaul to guarantee safety and efficiency.

Are There Any Additional Costs Associated With Accepting the Chef Eula?

You won't incur additional ChefDK costs or license fees by accepting the Chef EULA, as it's a mandatory agreement for using the latest versions, ensuring you're compliant with security and feature updates.

What Is the Recommended Timeline for Upgrading to Supported Platforms?

You should prioritize migration planning, guaranteeing compatibility testing and a well-planned deployment strategy, to upgrade to supported platforms as soon as possible, following best practices to minimize risks and guarantee a smooth shift.