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Zzz additional info 001

The difference between vault write auth/azure/config and vault write azure/config lies in the context and purpose of the configuration paths in Vault. Here's a breakdown:

1. vault write auth/azure/config

  • Purpose: Configures the Azure authentication method in Vault.

  • Path Context: auth/azure/config is part of the authentication backend.

  • Used For

:

  • Authenticating to Vault using Azure Managed Identity or Service Principal.
  • Setting up Azure credentials (e.g., tenant_id, subscription_id, client_id, client_secret).

Example:

vault write auth/azure/config \
    tenant_id="_secret_removed_" \
    subscription_id="_secret_removed_" \
    client_id="_secret_removed_" \
    client_secret="your-client-secret"

Key Use Case:

Allows Azure-based entities (e.g., VMs, App Services) to authenticate to Vault.

2. vault write azure/config

  • Purpose: Configures the Azure secrets engine in Vault.

  • Path Context: azure/config is part of the secrets backend.

  • Used For

:

  • Configuring Azure credentials for managing Azure resources.
  • Allows Vault to generate or manage Azure service principal credentials dynamically.

Example:

vault write azure/config \
    tenant_id="_secret_removed_" \
    subscription_id="_secret_removed_" \
    client_id="_secret_removed_" \
    client_secret="your-client-secret"

Key Use Case:

Allows Vault to interact with Azure services, such as generating dynamic Azure credentials or managing roles.

Key Differences:

Aspect auth/azure/config azure/config
Purpose Azure authentication to Vault. Azure secrets management by Vault.
Backend Authentication backend (auth/). Secrets backend (azure/).
Example Use Case Logging into Vault from an Azure VM. Dynamically creating Azure roles.
Configuration Path auth/azure/config azure/config

Summary:

  • Use auth/azure/config if you want Azure entities to log in to Vault.
  • Use azure/config if you want Vault to manage Azure resources dynamically.

Let me know if you'd like further clarification or examples!