Usage Meter server cannot start SSH Daemon service

Products

• VMware Aria Suite

Issue/Introduction

Symptoms:

 Getting "Failed to start OpenSSH Daemon" while trying to start SSHD service.

Environment

VMware vCloud Usage Meter 4.x

Resolution

Follow steps below:

1. Take snapshot of the UM appliance from vCenter UI.
2. Check for existing host keys: "/usr/sbin/sshd -ddd" (Verify if its giving output as host_keys invalid)
3. Delete old host keys: rm /etc/ssh/ssh_host_* 
4. Generate new host keys: ssh-keygen -A 
5. Restart the SSHD: systemctl restart sshd (Note: RSA DSA DSA keys are not allowed in FIPS mode)
6. Reboot the UM appliance 

Additional Information

Impact/Risks:

Unable to connect to UM appliance via SSH.