selinux_module force install mode

[ywei2017]

:frowning_person: Problem Statement

The "selinux_module" resource would skip the install, if the module is already installed. So there is no way to install a new version without first removing the module first. But removing the module can cause run time issue.

:grey_question: Possible Solution

This is a fundamental issue since RHEL8 "semodule -l" no longer provides the module version information. So any solution would assume the absence of the information. I ended up with a workaround.

1. I save the downloaded policy .pp file.
2. When the policy is installed, I create a ".pp.install_flag" file.
3. I do a a check whether the ".pp.install_flag" file is newer than ".pp" file. If yes, skip the install, otherwise call the "selinux_module" resource.

But for this to work (to install the updated module), there need to be a "force_install" mode for the "selinux_module" resource.

:arrow_heading_up: Describe alternatives you've considered

I am not aware of any, and would welcome ideas.

:heavy_plus_sign: Additional context

If it's acceptable, I submit a PR to add the "force_install" flag.

[Stromweld]

Have you looked at the built-in resource in chef-client https://docs.chef.io/resources/selinux_module/

[Stromweld]

Otherwise what i've done in the past to help with idempotency for something like this is to write the config into a file resource. Then the file resource calls the custom resource with notifies and desired action. Thus if file's content changes due to module configuration changes then it triggers the update.

[ywei2017]

We are not using the built in module resource, since we are on older version of Chef.

The notification is a good idea. Would that also need the force_install switch?

Thanks

On Mon, Apr 15, 2024 at 2:41 PM Corey Hemminger @.***> wrote:

Otherwise what i've done in the past to help with idempotency for something like this is to write the config into a file resource. Then the file resource calls the custom resource with notifies and desired action. Thus if file's content changes due to module configuration changes then it triggers the update.

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[ywei2017]

@Stromweld Any further comments?