How to Install Custom SSL Certificate on iDRAC7: PEM/PKCS12 Format Guide for Server Admins

When working with Dell's iDRAC7, the system expects certificates in a specific format that combines both private key and certificate chain. The interface isn't explicit about requirements, but through testing we've identified the proper structure.

The working format must be a PEM file containing:

Here's how to properly prepare your certificate:


# Combine components in correct order
cat private.key domain.crt intermediate.crt root.crt > idrac7_bundle.pem

# Verify PEM structure
openssl crl2pkcs7 -nocrl -certfile idrac7_bundle.pem | openssl pkcs7 -print_certs -noout

In the iDRAC7 web interface:

Navigate to "iDRAC Settings" > "Network" > "Security"
Select "Upload Server Certificate"
Choose your PEM bundle file
Restart iDRAC for changes to take effect

If encountering RAC0508 errors:

Ensure no empty lines between certificate sections
Verify all certificates are in proper PEM format (base64 between headers)
Check for correct file permissions (the file should be readable)
Try reducing the key size to 2048-bit if using larger keys

For environments requiring PKCS12 format:


# Convert existing certs to PKCS12
openssl pkcs12 -export \
  -inkey private.key \
  -in domain.crt \
  -certfile intermediate.crt \
  -out idrac7.p12 \
  -passout pass:tempPassword

Note: Some iDRAC7 firmware versions may still require the PEM format despite supporting PKCS12 uploads.

For managing multiple iDRAC7 units, use Dell's RACADM utility:


racadm -r  -u  -p  sslcertupload \
  -t 1 -f /path/to/idrac7_bundle.pem

When working with Dell iDRAC7 Enterprise, the system expects certificate files in specific formats. Based on error RAC0508 you encountered, let's break down the technical requirements:

The certificate chain must be properly ordered (server cert first, then intermediates)
Private key must be in unencrypted PKCS#8 format (not traditional RSA)
Maximum key length supported: 2048-bit
Intermediate certificates must not exceed 3 in the chain

Here's how to properly format your wildcard certificate for iDRAC7:


# Convert private key to PKCS#8 unencrypted format
openssl pkcs8 -topk8 -nocrypt -in original.key -out idrac.key

# Create certificate chain file (server + intermediates)
cat your_domain.crt intermediate1.crt intermediate2.crt > idrac_chain.pem

# Combine into PKCS12 (alternative method)
openssl pkcs12 -export -inkey idrac.key -in idrac_chain.pem -out idrac.p12 -name "iDRAC_Cert"

The iDRAC7 web interface requires precise navigation:

Login to iDRAC7 with administrator privileges
Navigate to Overview → iDRAC Settings → Network → SSL Certificate
Select "Upload Server Certificate"
Choose either:
- PEM format: Upload idrac_chain.pem and idrac.key separately
- PKCS12 format: Upload idrac.p12 with password if encrypted
Click "Apply" and wait for automatic service restart

If you encounter RAC0508 or similar errors:

Error	Solution
RAC0508	Verify key is PKCS#8 format and all certs are PEM encoded
Invalid chain	Re-order certificates with server cert first
Key mismatch	Regenerate CSR from iDRAC or match existing key

For bulk deployments, use Dell's Remote Access Controller Admin utility:


# Export existing config first
racadm -r  -u root -p  sslcertdownload -t 1 -f backup.pem

# Upload new certificate
racadm -r  -u root -p  sslcertupload -t 1 -f idrac_chain.pem

# Regenerate self-signed (fallback)
racadm -r  -u root -p  sslcertgen -g

Remember to restart iDRAC services or wait 2-3 minutes for changes to take effect before testing.