Nexus Integration with ACS 5.2 Configuration Example

Introduction

This document provides an example of TACACS+ authentication configuration on a Nexus switch. By default, if you configure the Nexus switch in order to authenticate through Access Control Server (ACS), you are automatically placed in the network-operator/vdc-operator role, which provides read-only access. In order to be placed in the network-admin/vdc-admin role, you need to create a shell on the ACS 5.2. This document describes that process.

Prerequisites

Requirements

Ensure that you meet these requirements before you attempt this configuration:

• Define your Nexus switch as a client in ACS.

• Define the IP address and an identical shared secret key on the ACS and Nexus.

Note: Create a checkpoint or a backup on Nexus before you make any changes.

Components Used

The information in this document is based on these software and hardware versions:

• ACS 5.2

• Nexus 5000, 5.2(1)N1(1)

The information in this document was created from the devices in a specific lab environment. All of the devices used in this document started with a cleared (default) configuration. If your network is live, make sure that you understand the potential impact of any command.

Conventions

Refer to the Cisco Technical Tips Conventions for more information on document conventions.

Configure

In this section, you are presented with the information to configure the features described in this document.

Note: Use the Command Lookup Tool (registered customers only) to obtain more information on the commands used in this section.

Nexus Device for Authentication and Authorization with ACS 5.2 Configuration

Complete these steps:

1. Create a local user on the Nexus switch with full privileges for fallback:

   username admin privilege 15 password 0 cisco123!
   

2. Enable TACACS+, then provide the IP address of the TACACS+ Server (ACS):

   feature tacacs+
   

   tacacs-server host IP-ADDRESS key KEY
   
   

   tacacs-server key KEY
   
   

   tacacs-server directed-request
   

   aaa group server tacacs+ ACS
   

   server IP-ADDRESS
   
   

   use-vrf management
   

   source-interface mgmt0
   

   Note: The key must match the shared secret configured on the ACS for this Nexus device.

3. Test the TACACS server availability:

   test aaa group group-name username password  

   The test authentication should fail with a reject message from the server, since the server has not been configured. This reject message confirms that the TACACS+ server is reachable.

4. Configure login authentications:

   aaa authentication login default group ACS
   

   aaa authentication login console group ACS
   

   aaa accounting default group ACS
   

   aaa authentication login error-enable
   

   aaa authorization commands default local
   

   aaa authorization config-commands default local
   

   Note: Nexus uses local authentication if the authentication server is unreachable.

ACS 5.x Configuration

Complete these steps:

1. Navigate to Policy Elements > Authentication and Permissions > Device Administration > Shell Profiles in order to create a Shell Profile.

   

2. Enter a name for the profile.

3. Under the Custom Attributes tab, enter these values:

   Attribute: cisco-av-pair

   Requirement: Mandatory

   Value: shell:roles*"network-admin vdc-admin"

   

4. Submit the changes in order to create an attribute-based role for the Nexus switch.

5. Create a new authorization rule, or edit an existing rule, in the correct access policy. By default, TACACS+ requests are processed by the Default Device Admin access policy.

6. In the Conditions area, choose the appropriate conditions. In the Results area, choose the Nexus OS shell profile.

   

7. Click Ok.

Verify

Use this section to confirm that your configuration works properly.

The Output Interpreter Tool (registered customers only) (OIT) supports certain show commands. Use the OIT to view an analysis of show command output.

• show tacacs+ —Displays the TACACS+ statistics.

• show running-config tacacs+ —Displays the TACACS+ configuration in the running configuration.

• show startup-config tacacs+ —Displays the TACACS+ configuration in the startup configuration.

• show tacacs-server —Displays all configured TACACS+ server parameters.

Related Information

• Technical Support & Documentation - Cisco Systems