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VA Technical Reference Model v 24.7

Ansible

General Information

Technologies must be operated and maintained in accordance with Federal and Department security and privacy policies and guidelines. More information on the proper use of the TRM can be found on the TRM Proper Use Tab/Section.

Website:	Go to site
Description:	Ansible is an open-source, agentless information technology (IT) automation solution for configuring systems, deploying software, ad hoc task execution, and zero downtime rolling updates. This software deploys temporary modules to controlled nodes over Secure Shell (SSH) that communicate with the controlling machine through a JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) protocol over the standard output. Ansible uses existing operating system (OS) credentials to control access to remote machines or can use Kerberos, Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP), and other centralized authentication management systems. This technology may be installed on Linux and macOS systems as the controlling machine and is capable of managing Linux, macOS and Windows systems. The TRM decisions in this entry only apply to technologies and versions owned, operated, managed, patched, and version-controlled by VA. This includes technologies deployed as software installations on VMs within VA-controlled cloud environments (e.g., VA Enterprise Cloud (VAEC)). Cloud services provided by the VAEC, which are listed in the VAEC Service Catalog, and those controlled and managed by an external Cloud Service Provider (i.e., SaaS) are not in the purview of the TRM. For more information on the use of cloud services and cloud-based products within VA, including VA private clouds, please see the Enterprise Cloud Solutions Office (ECSO) Portal at: https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/OITECSO
Technology/Standard Usage Requirements:	Users must ensure their use of this technology/standard is consistent with VA policies and standards, including, but not limited to, VA Handbooks 6102 and 6500; VA Directives 6004, 6513, and 6517; and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards, including Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS). Users must ensure sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. Prior to use of this technology, users should check with their supervisor, Information Security Officer (ISO), Facility Chief Information Officer (CIO), or local Office of Information and Technology (OI&T) representative to ensure that all actions are consistent with current VA policies and procedures prior to implementation.
Section 508 Information:	This technology has not been assessed by the Section 508 Office. The Implementer of this technology has the responsibility to ensure the version deployed is 508-compliant. Section 508 compliance may be reviewed by the Section 508 Office and appropriate remedial action required if necessary. For additional information or assistance regarding Section 508, please contact the Section 508 Office at Section508@va.gov.
Decision:	View Decisions

Decision Source:	TRM Mgmt Group
Decision Process:	One-VA TRM v24.5
Decision Date:	05/14/2024 at 21:22:58 UTC
Aliases:	configuration management; system management
Introduced By:	TRM Request
Vendor Name:	Ansible, Inc

Vendor Release Information

The Vendor Release table provides the known releases for the TRM Technology, obtained from the vendor (or from the release source).

Version	Release Date	Vendor End of Life Date	Vendor Desupport Date
1.5.x	02/28/2014
1.6.x	05/05/2014
1.7.x	08/06/2014
1.8.x	11/25/2014
1.9.x	04/06/2016
2.0.x	04/19/2016
2.1.x	05/25/2016
2.2.x	11/01/2016
2.3.x	04/01/2017
2.4.x	09/18/2017
2.5.x	02/01/2018
2.6.x	06/28/2018
2.7.x	10/04/2018
2.8.x	05/16/2019
2.9.x	10/31/2019
2.10.x	02/16/2020
2.11.x	03/02/2021
2.12.x	09/27/2021
2.13.x	04/11/2022
2.14.x	11/07/2022
2.15.x	09/14/2023
2.16.x	11/06/2023

Current Decision Matrix (05/13/2024)

Users must ensure their use of this technology/standard is consistent with VA policies and standards, including, but not limited to, VA Handbooks 6102 and 6500; VA Directives 6004, 6513, and 6517; and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards, including Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS). Users must ensure sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. Prior to use of this technology, users should check with their supervisor, Information Security Officer (ISO), Facility Chief Information Officer (CIO), or local Office of Information and Technology (OI&T) representative to ensure that all actions are consistent with current VA policies and procedures prior to implementation.

The VA Decision Matrix displays the current and future VA IT position regarding different releases of a TRM entry. These decisions are based upon the best information available as of the most current date. The consumer of this information has the responsibility to consult the organizations responsible for the desktop, testing, and/or production environments to ensure that the target version of the technology will be supported. Any major.minor version that is not listed in the VA Decision Matrix is considered unapproved for use.

Legend:

White	Approved: The technology/standard has been approved for use.
Yellow	Approved w/Constraints: The technology/standard can be used within the specified constraints located below the decision matrix in the footnote[1] and on the General tab.
Gray	Unapproved: This technology or standard can be used only if a POA&M review is conducted and signed by the Authorizing Official Designated Representative (AODR) as designated by the Authorizing Official (AO) or designee and based upon a recommendation from the POA&M Compliance Enforcement, has been granted to the project team or organization that wishes to use the technology.
Orange	Divest: VA has decided to divest itself on the use of the technology/standard. As a result, all projects currently utilizing the technology/standard must plan to eliminate their use of the technology/standard. Additional information on when the entry is projected to become unapproved may be found on the Decision tab for the specific entry.
Black	Prohibited: The technology/standard is not (currently) permitted to be used under any circumstances.
Blue	Planning/Evaluation Constraint:The period of time this technology is currently being evaluated, reviewed, and tested in controlled environments. Use of this technology is strictly controlled and not available for use within the general population. If a customer would like to use this technology, please work with your local or Regional OI&T office and contact the appropriate evaluation office displayed in the notes below the decision matrix. The Local or Regional OI&T office should submit an inquiry to the TRM if they require further assistance or if the evaluating office is not listed in the notes below.

Release/Version Information:

VA decisions for specific versions may include a ‘.x’ wildcard, which denotes a decision that pertains to a range of multiple versions.

For example, a technology approved with a decision for 7.x would cover any version of 7.(Anything) - 7.(Anything). However, a 7.4.x decision would cover any version of 7.4.(Anything), but would not cover any version of 7.5.x or 7.6.x on the TRM.

VA decisions for specific versions may include ‘+’ symbols; which denotes that the decision for the version specified also includes versions greater than what is specified but is not to exceed or affect previous decimal places.

For example, a technology approved with a decision for 12.6.4+ would cover any version that is greater than 12.6.4, but would not exceed the .6 decimal ie: 12.6.401 is ok, 12.6.5 is ok, 12.6.9 is ok, however 12.7.0 or 13.0 is not.

<Past

CY2025

CY2026

CY2027

Future>

Release

1.5.x

Unapproved

1.6.x

Unapproved

1.7.x

Unapproved

1.8.x

Unapproved

1.9.x

Unapproved

2.0.x

Unapproved

2.1.x

Unapproved

2.2.x

Unapproved

2.3.x

Unapproved

2.4.x

Unapproved

2.5.x

Unapproved

2.6.x

Unapproved

2.7.x

Unapproved

2.8.x

Unapproved

2.9.x

Unapproved

2.10.x

Unapproved

2.11.x

Unapproved

2.12.x

Unapproved

2.13.x

Unapproved

2.14.x

Unapproved

2.15.x

Divest
[14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22]

Unapproved

2.16.x

Approved w/Constraints
[14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22]

Decision Constraints


[1]	One component of this technology, Ansible-vault, is not permitted for use. This feature enables the storage of passwords using reversible encryption implemented through a python library which is not FIPS-140-2 compliant. System configuration changes made using this technology must first be vetted and approved through appropriate Change Control Board processes and comply with established baselines as appropriate.

[2]	Users should check with their supervisor, Information Security Office (ISO) or local OIT representative for permission to download and use this software. Downloaded software must always be scanned for viruses prior to installation to prevent adware or malware. Freeware may only be downloaded directly from the primary site that the creator of the software has advertised for public download and user or development community engagement. Users should note, any attempt by the installation process to install any additional, unrelated software is not approved and the user should take the proper steps to decline those installations.

[3]	Veterans Affairs (VA) users must ensure VA sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. All instances of deployment using this technology should be reviewed by the local ISO (Information Security Officer) to ensure compliance with VA Handbook 6500.

[4]	Due to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) identified security vulnerabilities, extra vigilance should be applied to ensure the versions remain properly patched to mitigate known and future vulnerabilities. The local ISO can provide assistance in reviewing the NIST vulnerabilities.

[5]	Veterans Affairs (VA) users must ensure VA sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. All instances of deployment using this technology should be reviewed by the local ISO (Information Security Officer) to ensure compliance with VA Handbook 6500.

[6]	Based on the IPR findings from Security Engineering and pending required VA security policy guidance from OIS DevSecOps on container and orchestrator technology, this technology is only approved for Development and Test systems usage. Production system use of this technology is considered TRM unapproved must have an approved TRM waiver to accept the risks of using this technology in production without required policy and configuration standards. This constraint will be revisited after VA determines relevant policy and creates configuration standard(s). See the reference section and the Baseline Configuration Management website for more information: https://vaww.vashare.oit.va.gov/sites/itops/svcs/sma/BCM/Pages/BCM.aspx It is advised that if this product is used within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that the following constraints be applied: System administrators must ensure that underlying infrastructure (Operating System (OS), Web Server, etc.) or a third party FIPS 140-2 cryptographic module can protect the security of FIPS-supported versions of Red Hat Ansible/Ansible Tower before it stores and processes VA sensitive information. Red Hat Ansible and Ansible Tower should not be used in a production environment until the VA develops a container strategy and establishes an enterprise orchestration solution. Should a user request to use Red Hat Ansible and Ansible Tower, the product must be used in a development or testing environment. Due to potential information security risks, cloud based technologies may not be used without the approval of the VA Enterprise Cloud Services (ECS) Group. This body is in part responsible for ensuring organizational information, Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI), and VA sensitive data are not compromised. (Ref: VA Directive 6004, VA Directive 6517, VA Directive 6513 and VA Directive 6102). Open source software may be obtained at no cost. VA requires support for all software used on the VA network. Vendor or third-party support at an enterprise level is not free and must be acquired for any open source product to be deployed on the VA network.

[7]	Due to potential information security risks for cloud-based technologies, users should coordinate closely with their facility ISSO for guidance and assistance on cloud products. If further guidance is needed contact the Enterprise Cloud Solution Office (ECSO), which is the body responsible for new software development in and migration of existing systems to the VA Enterprise Cloud (VAEC) and ensuring organizational information, Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI), and VA sensitive data are not compromised within the VAEC. For information about Software as a Service (SaaS) products or to submit a SaaS product request with the Project Special Forces (SPF) team, please use their online form. (Ref: VA Directive 6004, VA Directive 6517, VA Directive 6513 and VA Directive 6102).

[8]	Per the Initial Product Review, users must abide by the following constraints: System administrators must ensure that underlying infrastructure (Operating System (OS), Web Server, etc.) or a third party FIPS 140-2 cryptographic module can protect the security of FIPS-supported versions of Red Hat Ansible/Ansible Tower before it stores and processes VA sensitive information. Due to potential information security risks, cloud based technologies may not be used without the approval of the VA Enterprise Cloud Services (ECS) Group. This body is in part responsible for ensuring organizational information, Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI), and VA sensitive data are not compromised. (Ref: VA Directive 6004, VA Directive 6517, VA Directive 6513 and VA Directive 6102). Open source software may be obtained at no cost. VA requires support for all software used on the VA network. Vendor or third-party support at an enterprise level is not free and must be acquired for any open source product to be deployed on the VA network.

[9]	Veterans Affairs (VA) users must ensure VA sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. All instances of deployment using this technology should be reviewed by the local ISO (Information Security Officer) to ensure compliance with VA Handbook 6500.

[10]	Due to potential information security risks for cloud-based technologies, users should coordinate closely with their facility ISSO for guidance and assistance on cloud products. If further guidance is needed contact the Enterprise Cloud Solution Office (ECSO), which is the body responsible for new software development in and migration of existing systems to the VA Enterprise Cloud (VAEC) and ensuring organizational information, Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI), and VA sensitive data are not compromised within the VAEC. For information about Software as a Service (SaaS) products or to submit a SaaS product request with the Project Special Forces (SPF) team, please use their online form. (Ref: VA Directive 6004, VA Directive 6517, VA Directive 6513 and VA Directive 6102).

[11]	Due to potential information security risks for cloud-based technologies, users should coordinate closely with their facility ISSO for guidance and assistance on cloud products. If further guidance is needed contact the Enterprise Cloud Solution Office (ECSO), which is the body responsible for new software development in and migration of existing systems to the VA Enterprise Cloud (VAEC) and ensuring organizational information, Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI), and VA sensitive data are not compromised within the VAEC. For information about Software as a Service (SaaS) products or to submit a SaaS product request with the Project Special Forces (PSF) team, please use their online form. (Ref: VA Directive 6004, VA Directive 6517, VA Directive 6513 and VA Directive 6102).

[12]	Due to potential information security risks for cloud-based technologies, users should coordinate closely with their facility ISSO for guidance and assistance on cloud products. If further guidance is needed contact the Enterprise Cloud Solution Office (ECSO), which is the body responsible for new software development in and migration of existing systems to the VA Enterprise Cloud (VAEC) and ensuring organizational information, Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI), and VA sensitive data are not compromised within the VAEC. For information about Software as a Service (SaaS) products or to submit a SaaS product request with the VA OIT Product Engineering team, please use their online form. (Ref: VA Directive 6004, VA Directive 6517, VA Directive 6513 and VA Directive 6102).

[13]	Per the Initial Product Review, users must abide by the following constraints: System administrators must ensure that underlying infrastructure (Operating System (OS), Web Server, etc.) or a third party FIPS 140-2 certified cryptographic module can protect the security of FIPS-supported versions of Red Hat Ansible/Ansible Tower before it stores and processes VA sensitive information. Due to potential information security risks, SaaS/PaaS solutions must complete the Veterans-Focused Integration Process Request (VIPR) process where a collaborative effort between Demand Management (DM), Enterprise Program Management Office Information Assurance (EPMO IA), Project Special Forces (PSF), Enterprise Cloud Solutions Office (ECSO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO), and stakeholders determines the SaaS/PaaS category during the Discovery Phase. All SaaS and Non-AWS/Azure (VAEC) PaaS assets are routed to EPMO IA for Analysis and Approval to Operate (ATO) with technical oversight, acquisition, production, and sustainment provided by PSF. Open-source software may be obtained at no cost. VA requires support for all software used on the VA network. Vendor or third-party support at an enterprise level is not free and must be acquired for any open-source product to be deployed on the VA network.

[14]	This technology has received one or more VA security bulletins that provide specific guidance on vulnerability patching and mitigation. It is the responsibility of VA system owners to ensure that the appropriate mitigations are taken to address all known and future discovered vulnerabilities with this product. See the Reference tab for more information on security bulletins related to this product.

[15]	Users should check with their supervisor, Information System Security Officer (ISSO) or local OIT representative for permission to download and use this software. Downloaded software must always be scanned for viruses prior to installation to prevent adware or malware. Freeware may only be downloaded directly from the primary site that the creator of the software has advertised for public download and user or development community engagement. Users should note, any attempt by the installation process to install any additional, unrelated software is not approved and the user should take the proper steps to decline those installations.

[16]	Due to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) identified security vulnerabilities, extra vigilance should be applied to ensure the versions remain properly patched to mitigate known and future vulnerabilities. The local ISSO (Information System Security Officer) can provide assistance in reviewing the NIST vulnerabilities.

[17]	Veterans Affairs (VA) users must ensure VA sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. All instances of deployment using this technology should be reviewed by the local ISSO (Information System Security Officer) to ensure compliance with VA Handbook 6500.

[18]	Per the Initial Product Review, users must abide by the following constraints: System administrators must ensure that underlying infrastructure (Operating System (OS), Web Server, etc.) or a third party FIPS 140-2 certified cryptographic module can protect the security of FIPS-supported versions of Red Hat Ansible/Ansible Tower before it stores and processes VA sensitive information. Due to potential information security risks, SaaS/PaaS solutions must complete the Veterans-Focused Integration Process Request (VIPR) process where a collaborative effort between Demand Management (DM), Enterprise Program Management Office Information Assurance (EPMO IA), Project Special Forces (PSF), Enterprise Cloud Solutions Office (ECSO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO), and stakeholders determines the SaaS/PaaS category during the Discovery Phase. All SaaS and Non-AWS/Azure (VAEC) PaaS assets are routed to EPMO IA for Analysis and Approval to Operate (ATO) with technical oversight, acquisition, production, and sustainment provided by PSF. Open-source software may be obtained at no cost. VA requires support for all software used on the VA network. Vendor or third-party support at an enterprise level is not free and must be acquired for any open-source product to be deployed on the VA network. System owners should review the One-VA TRM entries for the approved versions of PostgreSQL Ensure that the latest stable version of Ansible Automation Platform and Ansible Tower is used. Additionally, the products must be added to the list of applications for continuous monitoring for published vulnerabilities, updates, and patches. ISSO’s and administrators must monitor the National Vulnerability website for any new security vulnerabilities

[19]	Veterans Affairs (VA) users must ensure VA sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. All instances of deployment using this technology should be reviewed by the local ISSO (Information System Security Officer) to ensure compliance with both VA Handbook 6500 and VA Directive 6500.

[20]	The Federal Information Processing standards (FIPS) 140-2 certification status of this technology was not able to be verified. This technology will require a 3rd party FIPS 140-2 or 140-3 certified solution for any data containing PHI/PII or VA sensitive information, where applicable. More information regarding the Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP) can be found on the NIST website.

[21]	Due to potential information security risks for cloud-based technologies, users should coordinate closely with their facility ISSO for guidance and assistance on cloud products. If further guidance is needed contact the Enterprise Cloud Solution Office (ECSO), which is the body responsible for new software development in and migration of existing systems to the VA Enterprise Cloud (VAEC) and ensuring organizational information, Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI), and VA sensitive data are not compromised within the VAEC. For information about Software as a Service (SaaS) products or to submit a SaaS product request, visit the Product Marketplace. (Ref: VA Directive 6004, VA Directive 6517, VA Directive 6513 and VA Directive 6102).

[22]	Per the Initial Product Review, users must abide by the following constraints: System administrators must ensure that underlying infrastructure (Operating System (OS), Web Server, etc.) or a third party FIPS 140-2 certified cryptographic module can protect the security of FIPS-supported versions of Red Hat Ansible/Ansible Tower before it stores and processes VA sensitive information. Due to potential information security risks, SaaS/PaaS solutions must complete the Veterans-Focused Integration Process Request (VIPR) process where a collaborative effort between Demand Management (DM), Enterprise Program Management Office Information Assurance (EPMO IA), Digital Transformation Center (DTC), Enterprise Cloud Solutions Office (ECSO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO), and stakeholders determines the SaaS/PaaS category during the Discovery Phase. All SaaS and Non-AWS or Azure (VAEC) PaaS assets are routed to EPMO IA for Analysis and Approval to Operate (ATO) with technical oversight, acquisition, production, and sustainment provided by DTC. Open-source software may be obtained at no cost. VA requires support for all software used on the VA network. Vendor or third-party support at an enterprise level is not free and must be acquired for any open-source product to be deployed on the VA network. System owners should review the One-VA TRM entries for the approved versions of PostgreSQL. Ensure that the latest stable version of Ansible Automation Platform and Ansible Tower is used. Additionally, the products must be added to the list of applications for continuous monitoring for published vulnerabilities, updates, and patches. ISSO’s and administrators must monitor the National Vulnerability website for any new security vulnerabilities.

Note:

At the time of writing, version 2.16.6 is the most current version, released 04/15/2024.

The following reference(s) are associated with this entry:
Type	Name	Source	Description
*NOTE: Vendor provided information is subject to the accuracy of the manufacturer.

Note: This list may not be complete. No component, listed or unlisted, may be used outside of the technology in which it is released. The usage decision for a component is found in the Decision and Decision Constraints.
Name	Description
No components have been identified for this entry.


Systems Management Systems Management Tools	System Change and Configuration Management

- The information contained on this page is accurate as of the Decision Date (05/14/2024 at 21:22:58 UTC).

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VA Technical Reference Model v 24.7

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VA Technical Reference Model v 24.7

General Information

Vendor Release Information

Current Decision Matrix (05/13/2024)

Decision Constraints

References

Technology Components

VA Categories View the VA Categorization Framework

Open Source

Operating Systems Supported by the Technology

Technologies/Standards Relationships

Runtime Dependencies:

Comparable Technologies:

Companion Technologies/Supported Standards:

General Analysis

Adoption Benefits

Adoption Risks

Architectural Benefits

Architectural Risks

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