Set up an SSH server on GitHub Actions runners for remote debugging and file access across Windows, macOS, and Linux.

This is only part of the solution - to actually connect to the SSH server, you'll need to expose it through:

• Jump host - Using a dedicated server as a proxy, see SSH Command & Port Forwarding Action
• Tailscale - For secure network mesh connections, see Tailscale Github Action
• ngrok - For temporary public tunnels, see Github Marketplace
• Other tunneling solutions

For a complete setup, see lexbritvin/ssh-session-action.

• 🌐 Cross-Platform Support - Works seamlessly on Windows, macOS, and Linux runners
• 🔐 Secure Authentication - SSH key-based authentication with GitHub profile integration
• ⚙️ Zero Configuration - Works out of the box with sensible defaults
• 🎯 Flexible Setup - Customizable ports, users, and key management
• 🔑 Auto Key Management - Automatically fetch SSH keys from GitHub profiles
• 🧹 Automatic Cleanup - Clean teardown when workflow completes
• 📊 Comprehensive Logging - Detailed setup and connection information

- name: Set up SSH Server
  uses: lexbritvin/ssh-server-action@v1
  with:
    authorized-keys: |
      ssh-rsa AAAAB3NzaC1yc2EAAAADAQAB... user@example.com
      ssh-ed25519 AAAAC3NzaC1lZDI1NTE5AAAA... another@example.com
    use-actor-ssh-keys: true

- name: Keep runner alive
  run: sleep 3600  # Keep alive for 1 hour

• SSH Keys: Always use SSH key authentication. Password authentication is disabled.
• Firewall: The action only opens the specified SSH port locally.
• Cleanup: SSH server is automatically stopped when the workflow ends.
• Access Control: Only specified authorized keys can connect.

1. Use Secrets: Store SSH keys in repository secrets
2. Limit Access: Only add necessary SSH keys
3. Monitor Usage: Use time limits to prevent indefinite running
4. Network Security: SSH server only binds to localhost

- name: Setup SSH with secrets
  uses: lexbritvin/ssh-server-action@v1
  with:
    authorized-keys: ${{ secrets.SSH_PUBLIC_KEYS }}

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.

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Made with ❤️ for the GitHub Actions community