XPipe 20.0: Connection Hub with AWS Integration and SSH Key Management

Contents

The developers of the open-source project XPipe have released version 20.0. The desktop tool for server management receives support for Amazon's AWS cloud with the update: administrators can now access EC2 instances and S3 buckets directly from within the application. Also new is the now integrated SSH key management.

XPipe is a connection hub that uses local command-line tools without requiring software installation on the target systems. The application runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux and aims to simplify the management of distributed server infrastructures.

AWS connection via CLI

AWS integration is done via the AWS Command Line Interface (CLI). Users can establish SSH connections to EC2 instances, optionally using AWS Systems Manager (SSM). This allows access to systems without a publicly accessible SSH port. S3-compatible buckets can be mounted as a file system. The developers promise further feature and performance improvements in the release notes on GitHub.

AWS support is part of the commercial professional license. A one-month free trial period is available as part of the new release. XPipe follows an open-core model: the base is open source, professional features are paid.

Generate SSH keys directly

A central innovation is the integrated SSH key generation. XPipe uses the system's own ssh-keygen tool from OpenSSH and supports the RSA, ED25519, and ED25519 with FIDO2 for hardware tokens algorithms. The generated keys can be automatically transferred to target systems. A dialog for key rotation allows management via quick actions. Corresponding public keys can also be extracted from private keys.

For structuring connections, version 20.0 introduces a tag system. Administrators can mark and filter connection entries. The configuration of SSH jump servers has been revised: a gateway field now controls the behavior. By default, the jump server function is activated but can be deactivated if necessary.

Team functions and terminal integration

With Group Vaults, XPipe expands its team environments. These shared vaults use a shared group secret provided via password managers, custom commands, or secret files. Central administration maintains control; existing team vaults can be converted.

The Tailscale integration has been updated and now offers a choice between automatic Tailscale SSH authentication and standard SSH with password or key. Tailscale entries can serve as a basis for RDP or VNC connections.

A new batch action enables split terminals for multiple systems simultaneously. XPipe supports Windows Terminal, Kitty, and WezTerm. Via terminal multiplexers like tmux or zellij, a broadcast mode is available that sends commands in parallel to multiple panes.

The extended network scan now also detects RDP and VNC services. Support for KeePassXC has been expanded and allows the use of multiple databases. A switch for port tunneling and corrections for the Android-Linux terminal app are also part of the update.

(fo)