Feature Request: Support SSH2 format for keys used for linux credentials

[swimboy]

When enabling guest processing for linux VMs, currently keys must be in ssh.com format and not SSH2. Tutorials exist for using PuTTYgen to convert to the ssh.com format. However, ed25519 keys cannot be converted, since the ssh.com format was deprecated before the development of ed25519.

In short, we have deployed ed25519 keys extensively in our environment, and eliminated RSA keys. While recent versions of PuTTY have no problem using ed25519 keys, and it's been the default for OpenSSH on linux since 2014, Veeam can't import them because they can only be created in SSH2 format, and not the older ssh.com format.

[tsightler]

Even if you could import these keys, they won't work, because the current SSH libraries in use doesn't have support for any elliptical curve algorithms. So this request is really to add support for the ed25519 algorithm to the product, so that it can support such keys. It's a good request, one that I've recently voiced myself internally, but unfortunately, is non-trivial. That's not to say it's not important, or shouldn't be done, but only to set proper expectations that it might not be right around the corner.

[BrianBuchanan]

I am also looking for support of ed25519 keys. Is there a way to formally request this feature?

Edit: I have opened case #04325326 requesting a timeline for implementation.

[Gostev]

Most likely, support for elliptical curve algorithms will be added in v11.

[colohost]

Just wanted to confirm this did not yet end up in 11? I just tried to add an ed25519 key and it didn't recognize it.

[PTide]

Hi,

Unfortunately v11 does not support EC-based keys for authentication yet - only EC based key exchange and encryption are supported. For authentication purposes only RSA is supported for now.

Support for authentication via EC keys will be added in a later update.

Thanks!

[jvandevelde]

Support for ed25519 keys is also something that we are eagerly waiting for.
Would you mind sharing when the 'later update' containing this enhancement is going to be released?

[Gostev]

Unfortunately, we cannot make comments regarding dates. Thanks!