[Question] Reverse proxy over VPN presented via Apache URL

Posted on April 14, 2016

Situation:

For my job I give demo’s over http on equipment that is behind a Cisco VPN. Most locations were I’m at will have WiFi, but a lot don’t allow VPN.

I would like to be able to connect to an URL over port 80, let’s say demo.mydomain.com that is then routed over VPN to the actual address. Can I do this from a Linux droplet and how do I set this up. Probably two separate tutorials, the reverse proxy and VPN parts. If the VPN could dynamically be created when accessing the URL that would be great, but not mandatory.

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Ryan Quinn

April 15, 2016

This is not a configuration I have ever set up but I have looked into a similar setup in the past. Nginx would likely be an easier to configure option to act as a proxy between your VPN network and the public. This thread shows a similar configuration using openvpn instead of cisco but the nginx portion should be the same.

So…

1.) Install nginx on your dorplet 2.) Connect your droplet to the VPN 3.) Configure the stream method or a proxy pass configuration to relay content from the IP address inside the VPN and share it via port 80.

I would strongly recommend working with your IT department, letting them know what you are setting up. Since the droplet will be connected to the VPN this may be considered a security risk. If the droplet were to be compromised it would allow an attacker a vector into your private network behind the VPN.