DEV Community

Cover image for Resetting Apache Archiva Admin Password in a Docker Container
Durrell Gemuh
Durrell Gemuh

Posted on

Resetting Apache Archiva Admin Password in a Docker Container

Sometimes, you may need to reset the admin password for Apache Archiva running inside a Docker container. This guide walks you through the process while ensuring your data is safe.

Why You Might Need to Reset the Admin Password

There are several scenarios where resetting the Archiva admin password becomes necessary:

  • Forgotten Password – The admin password has been lost or forgotten, preventing access to the web interface.
  • Security Breach – Suspected or confirmed unauthorized access requires updating the credentials immediately.
  • User Handover – When a new administrator takes over management responsibilities.
  • Misconfigured or Corrupted Users Database – Issues in the user database prevent login, necessitating a reset.
  • Testing or Development – Resetting credentials during testing or development environments to ensure smooth access.

Prerequisites

  • Ensure the Archiva container’s data directory is mounted so you don’t lose any data.
  • Backup any critical data before proceeding.

When Archiva runs in Docker, you need to access the container shell to perform administrative tasks.

1. List Running Containers

First, identify your Archiva container name or ID:

docker ps
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

2. Access the Container Shell

Use the docker exec command to access your container. Replace archiva-container with your container name:

docker exec -it containerID /bin/bash
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

If your container does not support bash, use sh:

docker exec -it containerID /bin/sh
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Resetting Apache Archiva Admin Password

Resetting the admin password involves deleting the current users' database so Archiva can recreate it, prompting a new admin setup.

Steps

1. Stop the Archiva Container

To avoid data loss, stop the container:

docker stop containerID
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

2. Backup and Delete the Users Database

Locate the mounted data directory inside your container (the default path is /home/archiva/current/data/databases). Then, rename the users database to keep a backup:

mv /path/to/mounted/data/databases/users /path/to/mounted/data/databases/users_backup
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Make sure you’re operating on the mounted directory so your changes persist outside the container.

3. Restart the Archiva Container

Start the container again:

docker start containerID
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Archiva will detect the missing users database and recreate it.

4. Create a New Admin User

Access the Archiva web interface:

http://<archiva-server-host>:<port>
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Follow the prompts to set up a new admin user.

Summary

By stopping the container, backing up the user database, and restarting, you can safely reset your Archiva admin password without losing your repository data.

Top comments (0)