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SCCM: How To Sign A PS1 Script For Deployment

8 min read 11-15- 2024
SCCM: How To Sign A PS1 Script For Deployment

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Signing PowerShell scripts is an essential practice for ensuring security and integrity when deploying scripts in your environment, particularly within Systems Center Configuration Manager (SCCM). By signing your scripts, you verify their authenticity and prevent unauthorized modifications, thereby reducing risks associated with malware and untrusted code. This article will walk you through the process of signing a PowerShell script and deploying it using SCCM.

Understanding PowerShell Script Signing

What is PowerShell Script Signing?

PowerShell script signing involves applying a digital signature to a script file (usually with a .ps1 extension). This signature verifies that the script has not been altered since it was signed and confirms the identity of the author.

Why Sign Your Scripts?

There are several key reasons to sign your PowerShell scripts:

  • Integrity: Ensure the script remains unchanged after it has been signed. 🛡️
  • Authentication: Establish the identity of the script's author. 👤
  • Compliance: Meet organizational policies for script management and security. 📜

Prerequisites for Signing a Script

Before you can sign a script, you need to meet some prerequisites:

  1. Code Signing Certificate: You must have a code signing certificate. You can obtain this from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA) or generate a self-signed certificate for internal use.
  2. PowerShell Execution Policy: Ensure that your PowerShell execution policy allows running signed scripts. Use the command:
    Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned
  3. PowerShell Version: Ensure that you are using PowerShell version 3.0 or later.

Step-by-Step Guide to Sign a PowerShell Script

Step 1: Obtain or Create a Code Signing Certificate

Using a Self-Signed Certificate

For internal scripts, you can create a self-signed certificate using PowerShell:

$cert = New-SelfSignedCertificate -Type CodeSigningCert -Subject "CN=YourName" -CertStoreLocation Cert:\CurrentUser\My
  • Change "YourName" to your desired name or organizational unit.

Using a Certificate from a CA

If you need a certificate from a Certificate Authority, follow their instructions to obtain a code signing certificate. Once you have it, install it in the appropriate store.

Step 2: Sign the PowerShell Script

Once you have your certificate, you can sign your script. Open PowerShell as an administrator and use the Set-AuthenticodeSignature cmdlet. Here’s how you can do that:

$cert = Get-Item Cert:\CurrentUser\My\
Set-AuthenticodeSignature -FilePath "C:\Path\To\YourScript.ps1" -Certificate $cert
  • Replace <YourCertificateThumbprint> with the thumbprint of your certificate, and adjust the file path as necessary.

Step 3: Verify the Signature

To ensure your script is properly signed, run the following command:

Get-AuthenticodeSignature -FilePath "C:\Path\To\YourScript.ps1"

This will return the signature status. You should see Valid if everything is set up correctly.

Deploying Signed Scripts via SCCM

Once your script is signed, the next step is deploying it using SCCM.

Step 1: Create a Package in SCCM

  1. Open the SCCM Console: Launch your System Center Configuration Manager console.
  2. Create a New Package:
    • Navigate to Software Library > Application Management > Packages.
    • Right-click on Packages and select Create Package.
    • Fill in the details, including the name and version, and specify the source folder where your signed script is located.

Step 2: Create a Program

  1. Add Program:
    • After creating the package, right-click on it and select Create Program.
    • Choose the option for a standard program.
    • Specify the command line for executing the PowerShell script, like so:
    powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "YourScript.ps1"

Step 3: Distribute the Package

  1. Distribute Content:
    • Right-click the package you created and select Distribute Content.
    • Follow the wizard to choose distribution points.

Step 4: Deploy the Package

  1. Deploy Package:
    • Right-click on the package again and select Deploy.
    • Choose your target collection where you want to deploy the script.
    • Set up the deployment settings according to your requirements.

Step 5: Monitor Deployment

After the deployment process begins, you can monitor its status in SCCM to ensure that everything is functioning correctly.

Important Considerations

  • Always test your signed scripts in a controlled environment before rolling them out broadly.
  • Regularly update and renew your code signing certificates to maintain security.
  • Educate your team about the importance of script signing to promote adherence to best practices.

Table: Comparison of Code Signing Options

<table> <tr> <th>Code Signing Option</th> <th>Benefits</th> <th>Drawbacks</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Self-Signed Certificate</td> <td> - Cost-effective <br> - Quick to generate </td> <td> - Not trusted outside your organization <br> - Requires manual installation of the certificate </td> </tr> <tr> <td>CA Issued Certificate</td> <td> - Widely trusted <br> - Better for external distribution </td> <td> - Costs associated with obtaining <br> - Longer issuance time </td> </tr> </table>

By following these steps, you can ensure that your PowerShell scripts are signed and securely deployed within your environment using SCCM. Not only does this enhance security, but it also helps maintain compliance with organizational policies. The practice of script signing is not just a technical requirement; it's a critical aspect of your overall security posture. By taking these steps, you can protect your systems from the risks associated with untrusted code and provide assurance to users and administrators alike.

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