How To Set Up MUNGE on Linux

What is MUNGE?

MUNGE (MUNGE Uid 'N' Gid Emporium) is an authentication service used in HPC clusters. It allows nodes to securely verify each other using shared cryptographic credentials.

1. Master Node Configuration

1.1 Install MUNGE

sudo pacman -S munge

1.2 Create the MUNGE Key

The key must be identical on all nodes. Create it only on the master.

sudo mungekey

1.3 Set Permissions

Munge service will only run for munge user. Other user like root or anyone can not run munge. So, ownership is cruicial here.

sudo chown munge:munge /etc/munge/munge.key
sudo chmod 400 /etc/munge/munge.key

Time sync is mandatory. Use NTP/Chrony on the cluster otherwise MUNGE will fail.

1.4 Enable and Start MUNGE

sudo systemctl enable munge
sudo systemctl start munge

1.5 Test MUNGE (Local)

munge -n | unmunge

2. Compute Node Configuration

2.1 Copy MUNGE Key

sudo cp /etc/munge/munge.key /srv/nfsroot/etc/munge/munge.key

2.2 Test MUNGE Over SSH

munge -n | ssh node1 unmunge