Dataverse: Request Content-MD5 Header For S3 Uploads

by ADMIN 53 views

Hey guys! Let's dive into a crucial feature request aimed at boosting the integrity of your data uploads on Dataverse. We're talking about adding an optional Content-MD5 header when uploading files to S3-compatible storage. This is a game-changer, especially if you're dealing with immutable buckets that have Versioning and ObjectLock enabled.

The Importance of Content-MD5 Header

So, why is this Content-MD5 header so important? Well, think of it as a digital fingerprint for your files. When you upload a file, Dataverse can compute its MD5 checksum and include it in the header. The storage server, on the other end, can then use this checksum to verify that the file arrived intact, without any sneaky corruption or tampering during transit. This is crucial for maintaining data integrity, especially when you're working with valuable research data or other sensitive information. For those using immutable buckets with ObjectLock enabled, the Content-MD5 header is not just a nice-to-have; it's a necessity. Currently, without it, uploads to these buckets will fail, resulting in a frustrating 400 Bad Request error. The error message clearly states, "Content-MD5 HTTP header is required for Put Object requests with Object Lock parameters." This requirement ensures that every object stored is verifiable and protected against unauthorized modifications. This feature empowers systems administrators with the capability to fully leverage immutable S3 buckets, enhancing data governance and compliance. Depositors and curators also benefit from this enhancement as it introduces an extra layer of integrity checks on uploaded files. This means fewer worries about data corruption and more confidence in the reliability of the stored information. Imagine the peace of mind knowing that every file you upload has a verifiable digital fingerprint, ensuring its authenticity and integrity over time.

The Problem We're Tackling

Currently, Dataverse doesn't send the Content-MD5 header, which means uploads to S3 buckets with ObjectLock enabled are a no-go. We've put Dataverse 6.7 through its paces, testing various combinations, including uploads via python-DVUploader and the Dataverse UI, with both upload-redirect set to true and false. The result? They all failed the same way, highlighting a consistent need for this feature. To make this happen, the API endpoint that generates pre-signed URLs needs a little tweaking. It should be able to accept the MD5 checksum of the file you're about to upload. This checksum would then be included in the generated pre-signed URL as a signed header, and submitted in the Content-MD5 header by the client when it sends the object to S3. Think of it as a secure handshake, ensuring that the file's integrity is verified before it's stored. By implementing this, Dataverse will align with best practices for object storage security, particularly in environments where data immutability and compliance are paramount. This enhancement not only addresses the immediate issue of ObjectLock compatibility but also lays the groundwork for future improvements in data integrity verification within Dataverse.

Who Benefits From This Feature?

This isn't just a techy fix; it has real-world benefits for different users:

  • Systems administrators: You'll gain the ability to use immutable S3 buckets, which are essential for compliance and data protection.
  • Depositors and curators: You'll get extra integrity checks on uploaded files, giving you more confidence in the data you're managing.

In essence, this feature helps everyone sleep better at night, knowing their data is safe and sound.

The Inspiration Behind the Request

So, what sparked this request? Well, we're in the process of integrating Berkeley's Dataverse 6.7 with a CloudianS3 backend as part of a pilot program to provide large-scale research data support. As part of our standard security protocols, we initially tried using a bucket with ObjectLock enabled. That's when we hit the roadblock with the missing Content-MD5 header. This experience also got us thinking about the broader picture of integrity checks during uploads to S3 backends. It's not just about ObjectLock; it's about ensuring data quality and trustworthiness across the board. This feature request is a proactive step towards enhancing the robustness of Dataverse in handling critical research data. By prioritizing data integrity from the point of upload, Dataverse can better serve the needs of researchers and institutions that rely on the platform for secure and reliable data management. The integration with CloudianS3, while the initial catalyst, highlights a more general need for improved S3 compatibility within Dataverse.

What Needs to Change?

To make this happen, we need to tweak a few things:

For Backends Using Direct Uploads:

  • Presigned URLs: They should be able to receive the checksum of the file being uploaded. This checksum needs to be included in the Content-MD5 header and as part of the request signature.
  • Web UI: The user interface should support sending file checksums as part of the upload process for collections using an S3 backend. This means adding the functionality to calculate and transmit the MD5 checksum without disrupting the user's workflow. Imagine a seamless process where the checksum is automatically generated and included in the upload request, ensuring data integrity behind the scenes.
  • Ancillary tooling (e.g., python-dvuploader): These tools should also support submitting the checksum to the Dataverse API and the S3 backend when direct-uploading files. This ensures consistency across all upload methods, whether through the web interface or automated scripts. Tools like python-dvuploader are crucial for programmatic data management, and their ability to handle Content-MD5 headers is essential for maintaining data integrity in automated workflows.

For Backends NOT Using Direct Uploads:

  • The server should (perhaps optionally) compute and submit the Content-MD5 header when uploading files from the Dataverse server to S3 storage. This server-side computation provides an extra layer of security, especially in scenarios where direct uploads are not feasible. Think of it as a safety net, ensuring that even files uploaded through traditional server-side processes benefit from the integrity checks offered by the Content-MD5 header.

These changes will ensure that Dataverse can fully leverage the capabilities of S3-compatible storage, especially when it comes to data integrity and immutability. The implementation of these changes will not only resolve the current compatibility issues with ObjectLock but also pave the way for future enhancements in data security and compliance within Dataverse. The addition of Content-MD5 header support is a significant step towards making Dataverse a more robust and reliable platform for managing research data.

Pull Request?

Unfortunately, we're stretched thin on resources and can't create a pull request for this feature. But, we're more than happy to help with testing using our CloudianS3 (