Setting Up SSH over SSL/TLS for HTTP Custom

A comprehensive guide to configuring secure tunneling for internet access through SSH with SSL/TLS encryption

secure network tunnel encryption technology

Essential Insights

SSH over SSL/TLS creates an encrypted tunnel inside another encrypted connection, helping bypass network restrictions
Multiple configuration methods are available including using stunnel, reverse proxies, or dedicated SSH SSL/TLS services
HTTP Custom provides a user-friendly interface for utilizing these secure tunnels on mobile devices

Understanding SSH over SSL/TLS

SSH (Secure Shell) and SSL/TLS (Transport Layer Security) are distinct security protocols. While SSH has its own encryption mechanisms, wrapping it inside SSL/TLS creates an additional layer that can help bypass network restrictions that may block standard SSH connections but allow HTTPS traffic (which uses port 443 and TLS).

How SSH over SSL/TLS Works

Key Benefits of SSH over SSL/TLS

Tunneling SSH through SSL/TLS offers several advantages:

Bypasses firewalls that block SSH but allow HTTPS traffic
Adds an extra layer of encryption for enhanced security
Makes SSH traffic appear as normal web browsing traffic
Works with applications like HTTP Custom for secure browsing

Server-Side Configuration

To enable SSH over SSL/TLS, you need to configure both the server and client sides. Let's start with setting up the server.

Method 1: Using Stunnel

Install Stunnel

# On Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt update
sudo apt install stunnel4

# On CentOS/RHEL
sudo yum install stunnel

Configure Stunnel

Create or edit the stunnel configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/stunnel/stunnel.conf

Add the following configuration:

[ssh]
accept = 443
connect = 22
cert = /etc/stunnel/stunnel.pem
key = /etc/stunnel/stunnel.pem

Generate SSL Certificate

sudo openssl req -new -x509 -days 365 -nodes -out /etc/stunnel/stunnel.pem -keyout /etc/stunnel/stunnel.pem
sudo chmod 600 /etc/stunnel/stunnel.pem

Start Stunnel Service

sudo systemctl enable stunnel4
sudo systemctl start stunnel4

Method 2: Using Nginx as Reverse Proxy

You can also use Nginx as a reverse proxy to forward HTTPS traffic to SSH:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install nginx
sudo openssl req -x509 -nodes -days 365 -newkey rsa:2048 -keyout /etc/nginx/cert.key -out /etc/nginx/cert.crt

Configure Nginx:

server {
    listen 443 ssl;
    ssl_certificate /etc/nginx/cert.crt;
    ssl_certificate_key /etc/nginx/cert.key;
    
    location / {
        proxy_pass http://localhost:22;
        proxy_http_version 1.1;
        proxy_set_header Upgrade $http_upgrade;
        proxy_set_header Connection "upgrade";
    }
}

Configuring HTTP Custom

HTTP Custom is an Android application that allows you to use SSH tunnels with SSL/TLS. Here's how to set it up:

Install HTTP Custom

Download HTTP Custom from the Google Play Store or from trusted APK sources.

Configure SSH over SSL/TLS in HTTP Custom

Setting	Value	Description
Connection Type	SSH Direct	Choose SSH Direct for direct connections
SSH Host	Your server IP	The IP address of your SSH server
Port	443	The port where stunnel is listening
SSH Username	Your SSH username	The username for your SSH account
SSH Password	Your SSH password	The password for your SSH account
SSH Method	SSL/TLS	Enable SSL/TLS tunneling
SNI Host	Optional domain	If using SNI, enter host domain

Advanced HTTP Custom Settings

Setting	Value	Purpose
Custom Payload	Optional	Custom HTTP header for specific networks
Payload Position	Front/Back	Where to insert the custom payload
Connection Method	Direct/Proxy	How to connect to the SSH server
Force HTTPS	Enabled	Force all connections over HTTPS

Using HTTP Custom with SSH SSL/TLS

After configuration:

Tap "Start" to initiate the connection
Check the logs for connection status
Once connected, all your device traffic will route through the SSH tunnel
Browse the internet through this secure tunnel

Using Free SSH SSL/TLS Services

If setting up your own server is challenging, several services offer free SSH SSL/TLS accounts:

Popular SSH SSL/TLS Service Providers

SSH Ocean: Offers free SSH SSL/TLS accounts active for 7 days
Lion SSH: Provides various SSH tunneling options including SSL/TLS
SSH Stores: Offers premium SSH SSL/TLS accounts with multiple locations
VPN Jantit: Free SSH Tunnel SSL servers with unlimited bandwidth

Creating an Account on SSH Services

Most free SSH SSL/TLS services follow a similar account creation process:

Visit the service website
Select an SSH server location
Choose SSH SSL/TLS (port 443) option
Enter a username and password
Complete CAPTCHA verification
Create account and note the server details

Evolution of SSH and SSL/TLS Security

Performance Comparison

Speed Comparison of Different Tunneling Methods

Security Level Comparison

Tutorial Videos

Setting Up SSH SSL/TLS Tunnel

HTTP Custom SSH SSL/TLS Setup

SSL/TLS Configuration Tutorial

Different Methods for SSH SSL/TLS Tunneling

flowchart TD A[Choose SSH SSL/TLS Method] --> B[Self-Hosted] A --> C[Third-Party Service] B --> D[Stunnel] B --> E[Nginx Reverse Proxy] B --> F[SSH via HTTPS CONNECT] C --> G[SSH Ocean] C --> H[Lion SSH] C --> I[SSH Stores] D --> J[Configure Stunnel] E --> K[Configure Nginx] F --> L[Configure socat] G --> M[Create Account] H --> M I --> M M --> N[Configure HTTP Custom] J --> N K --> N L --> N N --> O[Connect and Browse]

Important Considerations

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Before using SSH SSL/TLS tunneling, be aware of these important points:

Check if using tunneling services complies with your internet service provider's terms of service
Some countries have restrictions on using VPN or tunneling technologies
Using free SSH services may come with limitations or security risks
Your traffic might be monitored by the SSH service provider

Security Best Practices

Best Practice	Recommendation
Use strong passwords	Create complex, unique passwords for your SSH accounts
Regular updates	Keep your SSH clients and servers updated
Trusted services	Use reputable SSH service providers
Connection monitoring	Regularly check active connections to your SSH server
Key-based authentication	Use SSH keys instead of passwords when possible