System

µgRD – generate a custom initramfs environment

µgRD is designed to generate a custom initramfs environment to boot the system which built it.

Generated images are as static and secure as possible, only including components and features required to mount the root and switch to it. µgRD generates POSIX shell scripts to mount the rootfs and continue booting.

The final build environment is left in the specified build_dir, where it can be examined or repacked.

Unless validation is disabled, µgRD attemts to validate most configuration against the host system, raising exceptions or logging warnings warnings if the configuration is invalid.

This is free and open source software.

Features include:

  • Auto-detection:
    • Root mount, using /proc/mounts. root= and rootflags= can be used but are not required.
    • MDRAID auto-configuration for the root mount.
    • LUKS auto-configuration and validation for the root mount.
    • LUKS under LVM support.
    • LUKS under MDRAID support.
    • LVM based root volumes are auto-mounted.
    • BTRFS root subvolumes are automatically detected to root_subvol.
    • subvol_selector can be used to select a subvolume at boot time.
    • /usr auto-mounting if the init system requires it.
    • Auto-detection of kernel modules required by the storage device used by the root filesystem.
    • Init system/target auto-detection.
  • Validation:
    • Configuration validation against the host config in validate mode.
    • LUKS header and crypto backend validation.
    • Imported binary and shell function collision detection.
    • Static output image checks, ensuring necessary files are packed.
    • QEMU based test framework with –test or using the ugrd.base.test module.
  • Example config and features:
    • OpenPGP Smartcards (YubiKey) with the ugrd.crypto.smartcard module yubikey example.
    • GPG encrypted LUKS keyfiles with the ugrd.crypto.gpg module gpg example.
    • LUKS with detatched headers detached headers example.
    • Cryptsetup re-attempts and alternative unlock methods.
    • Allows for late insertion of a smartcard cryptsetup_retries and cryptsetup_autoretry.
    • Can fail back to plain password entry try_nokey.
    • Key entry over serial raid crypt serial.
  • Other info:
    • Automatic CPIO generation (PyCPIO).
    • Device nodes are created within the CPIO only, so true root privileges are not required.
    • Hardlinks are automatically created for files with matching SHA256 hashes.
    • Automatic xz compression.
    • “merged usr” symlinks are creatd by default and can be disabled by setting merge_usr = false.
    • ZSH and BASH autocompletion for the ugrd command.
    • Basic hibernation/resume support with ugrd.fs.resume.
    • Similar usage/arguments as Dracut.

Website: github.com/desultory/ugrd
Support:
Developer: Zen
License: GNU General Public License v2.0

µgRD is written in Python. Learn Python with our recommended free books and free tutorials.


Popular series
Free and Open Source SoftwareThe largest compilation of the best free and open source software in the universe. Each article is supplied with a legendary ratings chart helping you to make informed decisions.
ReviewsHundreds of in-depth reviews offering our unbiased and expert opinion on software. We offer helpful and impartial information.
The Big List of Active Linux Distros is a large compilation of actively developed Linux distributions.
Alternatives to Proprietary SoftwareReplace proprietary software with open source alternatives: Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Autodesk, Oracle, Atlassian, Corel, Cisco, Intuit, SAS, Progress, Salesforce, and Citrix
GamesAwesome Free Linux Games Tools showcases a series of tools that making gaming on Linux a more pleasurable experience. This is a new series.
Artificial intelligence iconMachine Learning explores practical applications of machine learning and deep learning from a Linux perspective. We've written reviews of more than 40 self-hosted apps. All are free and open source.
Guide to LinuxNew to Linux? Read our Linux for Starters series. We start right at the basics and teach you everything you need to know to get started with Linux.
Alternatives to popular CLI tools showcases essential tools that are modern replacements for core Linux utilities.
System ToolsEssential Linux system tools focuses on small, indispensable utilities, useful for system administrators as well as regular users.
ProductivityLinux utilities to maximise your productivity. Small, indispensable tools, useful for anyone running a Linux machine.
AudioSurveys popular streaming services from a Linux perspective: Amazon Music Unlimited, Myuzi, Spotify, Deezer, Tidal.
Saving Money with LinuxSaving Money with Linux looks at how you can reduce your energy bills running Linux.
Home ComputersHome computers became commonplace in the 1980s. Emulate home computers including the Commodore 64, Amiga, Atari ST, ZX81, Amstrad CPC, and ZX Spectrum.
Now and ThenNow and Then examines how promising open source software fared over the years. It can be a bumpy ride.
Linux at HomeLinux at Home looks at a range of home activities where Linux can play its part, making the most of our time at home, keeping active and engaged.
Linux CandyLinux Candy reveals the lighter side of Linux. Have some fun and escape from the daily drudgery.
DockerGetting Started with Docker helps you master Docker, a set of platform as a service products that delivers software in packages called containers.
Android AppsBest Free Android Apps. We showcase free Android apps that are definitely worth downloading. There's a strict eligibility criteria for inclusion in this series.
Programming BooksThese best free books accelerate your learning of every programming language. Learn a new language today!
Programming TutorialsThese free tutorials offer the perfect tonic to our free programming books series.
Linux Around The WorldLinux Around The World showcases usergroups that are relevant to Linux enthusiasts. Great ways to meet up with fellow enthusiasts.
Stars and StripesStars and Stripes is an occasional series looking at the impact of Linux in the USA.
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Read our Comment FAQ before commenting.

0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments