How to Create Secure Reverse SSH Tunnel on Raspberry Pi?

A secure Reverse SSH tunnel is a cryptographic method that allows you to access your Raspberry Pi remotely, providing secure and encrypted communication between two networks. This is particularly useful when the Raspberry Pi is located in a private network behind a firewall or NAT, preventing direct access from the outside.

In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of creating a secure Reverse SSH tunnel on your Raspberry Pi. We will cover the necessary software and configuration steps, as well as some troubleshooting tips to ensure a successful connection.

What is a reverse proxy tunnel?

A reverse proxy tunnel is a method used to establish a secure and encrypted connection between two networks by utilizing an intermediary server. In this scenario, the Raspberry Pi serves as the intermediary server, enabling you to conveniently access devices located on its private network from external locations. This innovative solution provides an added layer of network security and accessibility, making it an ideal choice for various applications and use cases. [1]

How to create a Reverse SSH tunnel

Step 1: Install and configure SSH server on your Raspberry Pi

The first step in creating a Reverse SSH tunnel is to ensure that your Raspberry Pi, a versatile single-board computer, has an SSH server installed and properly configured. By setting up an SSH server, you gain the ability to remotely connect to your Raspberry Pi and establish the tunnel effortlessly.

To install an SSH server on your Raspberry Pi, simply open the terminal interface and execute the command:

• sudo apt-get install openssh-server

This command will initiate the installation process, ensuring that the necessary components are installed on your device.

Once the installation is complete, you can verify the status of your SSH server by entering the following command in the terminal:

• sudo systemctl status ssh

If the status displays as “active” or “running,” you can be confident that your SSH server is up and ready to use.

With your Raspberry Pi equipped with an SSH server, you can now proceed to establish a Reverse SSH tunnel, granting you the convenience and security of remote access to your device. [3]

Step 2: Configure the SSH server for Reverse tunneling

To enable reverse tunneling on your Raspberry Pi, you need to modify the configuration file of your SSH server. This can be done by opening the “/etc/ssh/sshd_config” file and adding the following line at the bottom:

• GatewayPorts yes

After making this configuration change, save the file and restart the SSH server using the following command:

• sudo systemctl restart ssh

With this configuration in place, your Raspberry Pi is now prepared to establish a Reverse SSH tunnel. [3]

Step 3: Establishing the Reverse SSH tunnel

Now that your SSH server is configured, you can begin setting up the actual Reverse SSH tunnel. To do this, you will need to have two devices – one that serves as the client and another that acts as the server. In this example, we will use a laptop as the client and the Raspberry Pi as the server.

Client-side setup

To establish a connection to your Raspberry Pi, open a terminal window on your laptop and enter the following command:

• ssh -R 9999:localhost:22 @

This command instructs your client machine to connect to the Raspberry Pi’s SSH server and establish a tunnel from its port 9999 to the localhost port 22. The Raspberry Pi’s IP address and username must be replaced with the appropriate values.

Once the command is executed, you will be prompted to enter your Raspberry Pi user’s password. After successful authentication, your terminal should display a message indicating that the Reverse SSH tunnel has been established. [3]

How to create a Reverse SSH tunnel with Port Forwarding ?

Step 1: Enable Port Forwarding on your router

To establish a Reverse SSH tunnel with port forwarding, you will need to enable port forwarding on your router. This can be done by accessing your router’s settings page, typically by entering its IP address into a web browser. Once on the settings page, navigate to the “port forwarding” section, which may be located under the “network” or “advanced” settings. Here, you will need to add a new entry for port 9999 (or any other port of your choice) and specify the IP address of your Raspberry Pi. This will ensure that any incoming traffic to port 9999 on your router will be forwarded to port 22 on your Raspberry Pi, allowing for the establishment of the Reverse SSH tunnel. [2]

Step 2: Modify SSH server configuration

Similar to the previous method, you will need to modify your SSH server’s configuration file. However, this time, instead of adding “GatewayPorts yes” at the end, you will need to add:

• GatewayPorts clientspecified

This instructs the SSH server to only allow external connections from specified clients, making it more secure.

Step 3: Establishing the Reverse SSH tunnel

To establish a reverse SSH tunnel, follow the same command as in Step 3 of the previous method after ensuring the necessary configurations are in place. However, this time, instead of specifying “localhost” as the forwarding target, you will need to enter your router’s public IP address. You can easily obtain this by simply googling “what is my IP address.”

Once the connection is successfully established, you will be able to access your Raspberry Pi from the client device using the port specified in the port forwarding settings. This allows for seamless remote access and control of your Raspberry Pi, providing flexibility and convenience in managing your device. [2]

Problem-solving – What to do if the Reverse SSH tunnel fails?

While creating a Reverse SSH tunnel is relatively simple, there may be instances where the connection fails. In such cases, you can follow these troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue:

1. Check your network connections: Ensure that both your client and server devices are connected to the same network. Verify that all the cables are securely plugged in and that there are no network outages or disruptions.
2. Verify port forwarding settings: Double-check that the correct port is set for forwarding on your router and that it is pointing to the correct IP address of your Raspberry Pi. Make sure that there are no conflicting port settings or other devices using the same port.
3. Check SSH server status: Use the command “sudo systemctl status ssh” to ensure that your SSH server is running and active. Look for any error messages or warnings that may indicate issues with the server.
4. Firewall settings: If you have a firewall enabled on your network or device, make sure it is not blocking incoming connections on the specified port. Check the firewall rules and whitelist the necessary ports for the Reverse SSH tunnel.
5. Check for errors in configuration: Review the modifications made to your SSH server’s configuration file and ensure there are no typos or errors. Pay attention to any specific settings or parameters that may affect the Reverse SSH tunnel.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, you can refer to online forums or reach out to technical support for further assistance. With a little troubleshooting, you should be able to successfully establish a Reverse SSH tunnel on your Raspberry Pi and enjoy the convenience of remote access. Keep in mind that this method can also be applied to other devices, such as a remote desktop or server, providing a secure means of remote management and control. [2]

How SocketXP IoT Remote Access solution works

Step 1: Download and Install SocketXP on your Raspberry Pi

SocketXP is a cross-platform remote access solution that allows for secure, real-time access to your devices from anywhere in the world. To use SocketXP with your Raspberry Pi, you will need to download and install the SocketXP client on your device. This can be done by executing the following command in the terminal:

• wget https://dl.socketxp.com/download/socketxp-remote-client-armhf-latest.deb
• sudo dpkg -i socketxp-remote-client-armhf-latest.deb

This will download and install the SocketXP client on your Raspberry Pi. [1]

Step 2: Get your Authentication Token

To successfully connect your Raspberry Pi to SocketXP, you will require an authentication token. Obtaining this token is a simple process that begins with creating a free account on the SocketXP website. Once you have registered for an account, navigate to the “My Tokens” section and locate the “Create Token” option. By clicking on this button, a unique authentication token will be generated specifically for you.

Step 3: Create SocketXP SSL Tunnel Endpoint for Remote SSH

To create an endpoint on the SocketXP website, simply navigate to the website and locate the “Create Endpoint” button. Once found, click on it. From the options presented, choose “Remote SSH” as the protocol. This will ensure a seamless and secure connection.

The next step is to provide a name for your endpoint. Be sure to choose a name that is descriptive and easy to remember. For example, you could name it “My Raspberry Pi SSH Endpoint.”

Now, it’s time to specify the destination port. In this case, we will use port 22, which is the default port for SSH connections. This ensures that your connection is established on the correct port.

To complete the setup, enter your Raspberry Pi’s IP address and port 22 as the forwarding target. This will ensure that the traffic is correctly routed to your Raspberry Pi.

Once all the necessary details are filled in, click on the “Save Endpoint” button to create your new endpoint. You are now ready to establish a secure connection to your Raspberry Pi using SocketXP. [1]

Configuring SocketXP agent to run in slave mode

In slave mode, the SocketXP agent will be used as a reverse proxy server and will connect to a master agent on the SocketXP cloud. To configure your Raspberry Pi’s SocketXP agent in slave mode, follow these steps:

1. Open the config file for the SocketXP agent by using the command “sudo nano /etc/socketxp/client.yaml”.
2. Find the “mode” key and change its value from “master” to “slave”.
3. Locate the “auth_token” key and enter your unique authentication token obtained from the SocketXP website.
4. Save and close the config file, then restart the SocketXP agent by using the command “sudo systemctl restart socketxp”.
5. Verify that your Raspberry Pi is successfully connected to SocketXP by checking the status of the agent using the command “sudo systemctl status socketxp”.

Now, your Raspberry Pi’s SocketXP agent is configured to run in slave mode and is ready to establish a secure remote connection. You can connect to your device from anywhere using the provided endpoint URL on the SocketXP website. [2]

Accessing the IoT device SSH from your laptop

Once your Raspberry Pi is successfully connected to SocketXP, you can easily access its SSH terminal from any device with an internet connection. To access the SSH terminal on your Raspberry Pi using a laptop or computer, follow these steps:

1. Open a terminal or command prompt on your laptop.
2. Enter the following command:
3. ssh -R :localhost:

Replace the placeholders with your specific information. The remote port is typically 22, the local port is also 22 unless you have changed it in the SSH server’s configuration file, and the SocketXP endpoint URL is the one provided on the SocketXP website.

• Hit enter and provide your Raspberry Pi’s username and password when prompted.
• You should now have remote access to your Raspberry Pi’s terminal, allowing you to manage and control it from anywhere in the world.

With SocketXP’s IoT Remote Access solution, you can easily establish a secure reverse SSH tunnel on your Raspberry Pi and remotely access its terminal for management and control. This solution is not limited to just Raspberry Pi, but can be applied to any device that needs remote management. [2]

Security Challenges of SSH Reverse Proxy Tunneling

Although establishing a reverse SSH tunnel using SocketXP is secure, there are still a few security challenges to be aware of. These include:

• Authentication – Unauthorized users may attempt to gain access to your devices by guessing or brute-forcing the authentication token required for SocketXP. It is crucial to ensure that strong and unique authentication tokens are used to minimize the risk of unauthorized access. Regularly updating and rotating these tokens adds an extra layer of security.
• Data interception – While the connection between your device and SocketXP is encrypted, there is still a risk of data interception if the endpoint URL is compromised. To mitigate this risk, it is recommended to use secure and trusted endpoints while utilizing SocketXP. Additionally, implementing end-to-end encryption for sensitive data can further enhance security and protect against potential interception.
• Device vulnerabilities – If your device has any security vulnerabilities, they may be exploited by unauthorized users once they gain access through SocketXP. It is crucial to keep your devices and their software up to date with the latest security patches and updates. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing can help identify and address any potential weaknesses, ensuring a more secure environment for your devices and data.

To mitigate these risks, it’s essential to regularly update your device’s software and use strong authentication methods to secure your SocketXP endpoint. Additionally, only share the endpoint URL with trusted users to reduce the risk of data interception. [2]

Advantages of SocketXP for Remote SSH Tunneling

SocketXP offers many advantages for creating a secure reverse SSH tunnel on your Raspberry Pi or any other IoT device. Some of the benefits include:

• Ease of use – With SocketXP’s straightforward setup and user-friendly interface, even users without technical knowledge can easily establish a secure remote connection to their devices. The intuitive design and step-by-step instructions ensure a seamless experience from start to finish.
• Secure connections – SocketXP goes above and beyond to prioritize the security of your data. By utilizing end-to-end encryption, all communication between your devices and SocketXP’s servers is fully protected from any potential interception. You can have peace of mind knowing that your sensitive information remains confidential and secure.
• Flexibility – SocketXP offers unparalleled flexibility when it comes to remote device management. Regardless of your location, you can effortlessly access and control your devices from anywhere in the world. Whether you are traveling, at work, or simply on the go, SocketXP ensures that you have full control over your IoT devices at all times.
• Scalability – As your IoT ecosystem expands, SocketXP can effortlessly keep up with your growing needs. The platform is designed to handle large numbers of devices without compromising performance. Whether you have a handful of devices or an extensive network, SocketXP provides a scalable solution that can adapt to your evolving requirements.
• Cost-effective – SocketXP understands the importance of affordability without compromising quality. The platform offers a range of pricing plans with flexible options to suit different budgets and needs. SocketXP’s cost-effective solution ensures that remote device management is accessible to businesses and individuals alike, without breaking the bank. [2]

FAQ

How to create reverse SSH?

To create a reverse SSH tunnel, you need to have a remote server that acts as an intermediary between your device and the internet. SocketXP offers a simple and secure solution for creating a reverse SSH tunnel on your Raspberry Pi or any other IoT device. By following the steps outlined in this document, you can easily establish a secure connection to your device using SocketXP’s endpoint URL.

Is PiTunnel free?

PiTunnel, now known as SocketXP, offers both free and paid plans. The free plan allows for a limited number of devices and data transfer, making it suitable for personal use or small-scale projects. For larger networks or commercial use, SocketXP’s affordable paid plans offer more features and capabilities to meet your needs. To explore the various pricing options offered by SocketXP, visit their website at https://www.socketxp.com/pricing.

How do I access my Raspberry Pi from an outside network?

If you want to access your Raspberry Pi from an outside network, the traditional method would involve manually setting up port forwarding on your router. This can be complicated and may not always work due to limitations such as dynamic IP addresses.

With SocketXP’s IoT Remote Access solution, you can easily bypass these challenges and securely access your Raspberry Pi from anywhere in the world. By creating a reverse SSH tunnel, SocketXP allows you to establish a direct connection to your device without the need for port forwarding or exposing your device to potential security risks.

Can Raspberry Pi host a web server?

Yes, Raspberry Pi can host a web server. With the right software and configurations, your Raspberry Pi can function as a capable web server for hosting websites or web applications. SocketXP’s remote access solution makes it even easier to manage and monitor your website from anywhere in the world with features like real-time logs and remote control capabilities. To learn more about using Raspberry Pi as a web server, visit their website at https://projects.raspberrypi.org/en/projects/lamp-web-server-with-wordpress. Overall, SocketXP offers a comprehensive solution for secure remote device management, making it an ideal choice for creating a reverse SSH tunnel on your Raspberry Pi or any other IoT device.

How to enable SSH in Raspberry Pi without a monitor?

To enable SSH on your Raspberry Pi without a monitor, you can follow these steps:

1. Ensure that your Raspberry Pi is connected to the internet.
2. Create an empty file named “ssh” in the boot partition of your SD card.
3. Eject the SD card from your computer and insert it into your Raspberry Pi.

Useful Video: How to Reverse SSH Tunnel

Conclusion

SocketXP’s IoT Remote Access solution provides a simple and secure way to create a reverse SSH tunnel on your Raspberry Pi or any other IoT device. By utilizing SocketXP’s endpoint URL, you can establish a direct and encrypted connection to your device from anywhere in the world. With features like real-time logs, remote control capabilities, and flexible pricing plans, SocketXP offers an all-in-one solution for managing and monitoring your devices remotely. Don’t let distance or technical limitations hold you back from accessing and controlling your IoT devices – try SocketXP today! So, it’s time to take advantage of SocketXP to create a secure reverse SSH tunnel, and stay connected with your IoT devices at all times.

References

1. https://www.socketxp.com/iot/create-secure-reverse-ssh-tunnel-to-raspberry-pi/
2. https://charlesreid1.com/wiki/RaspberryPi/Reverse_SSH
3. https://charlesreid1.com/wiki/RaspberryPi/Reverse_SSH