Dell NativeEdge: Dell Data Collector Blueprint Deployment Fails due to NFS Server Configuration

When using an NFS server without the `no_root_squash` option, the root user on the client is mapped to the `nobody` user. As a result, the client cannot create required directories or files, leading to transfer failures during Dell Data Collector deployment.

By default, NFS uses `root_squash`, which maps the root user on the client machine to an anonymous user (`nobody`) on the NFS server. This limits root-level operations to reduce the risk of unauthorized access or file system damage from clients. on the server.

To allow file transfers during the blueprint deployment, configure the NFS export with `no_root_squash`.

Step 1. Edit the NFS exports file: sudo nano /etc/exports
Step 2. Add or modify the relevant export:  /data_collector 192.168.28.10 (rw,sync,no_subtree_check,no_root_squash)
Step 3. Apply the changes:  sudo exportfs -ra

Security Warning: Enabling `no_root_squash` allows full root access from clients. Use this only in secure, trusted environments and follow the security best practices outlined below.

Security Considerations: Using `no_root_squash` is necessary in this case but increases the security risk. Follow these best practices to mitigate potential vulnerabilities:

1. Use a Dedicated Export for the Blueprint: Only use `no_root_squash` on a separate NFS export used exclusively by the Dell Data Collector blueprint. 

Example: /data_collector 192.168.28.10(rw,sync,no_subtree_check,no_root_squash) 
              /shared_docs 192.168.28.0/23(rw,sync,no_subtree_check,root_squash)

2. Apply Strict File and Directory Permissions: Limit what the root user on the client can access or change.

Example: sudo mkdir -p /data_collector/output
               sudo chown root:root /data_collector/output
               sudo chmod 750 /data_collector/output
               sudo mkdir /data_collector/output/input_dir
               sudo chown root:blueprintuser /data_collector/output/input_dir
               sudo chmod 770 /data_collector/output/input_dir

Using ACLs:
              sudo setfacl -m u:blueprintuser:rwx /data_collector/output/input_dir
              sudo setfacl -m u:otheruser:--- /data_collector/output/input_dir

3. Mount with `nosuid` and `noexec` on the Client Side: Restrict what the client system can do.
             Example /etc/fstab: 192.168.28.20:/data_collector /mnt/data_collector nfs defaults,nosuid,noexec 0 0

4. Enforce `root_squash` on All Other Exports:
            Ensure other NFS shares use `root_squash`.

Secure example:
           /data_collector 192.168.28.10(rw,sync,no_subtree_check,no_root_squash)
           /backup 192.168.28.15(rw,sync,root_squash)
           /shared_docs 192.168.28.0/23(rw,sync,root_squash)

 Avoid this: /shared 192.168.28.0/23(rw,sync,no_subtree_check,no_root_squash)

Alternative Option: If security policies prohibit `no_root_squash`, consider updating the Data Collector blueprint to run file operations as a non-root user and grant that user ownership of the NFS share.