Puppet Enterprise

Basic Information

• Model: Puppet Enterprise (PE) is a commercial version of the open-source Puppet software, designed for enterprise-scale infrastructure automation.
• Version: The latest stable release is Puppet Enterprise 2025.5.0. Puppet Enterprise 2023.8 is a long-term support (LTS) release.
• Release Date: Puppet Enterprise 2025.5.0 was released on August 5, 2025. Puppet Enterprise 2023.8.5 was also released on August 5, 2025. The initial commercial product, Puppet Enterprise, was released in February 2011.
• Minimum Requirements: Specific minimum hardware requirements are provided as guidelines, with actual needs varying based on configuration and code base.
• Supported Operating Systems:
  • Primary Server: Requires x86_64 architecture (or amd64 for Ubuntu). Supported operating systems include Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 7, 8, 9, and 10 (x86_64, ARM64, ppc64le for RHEL 9), Ubuntu 18.04, 20.04, 22.04, 24.04 (amd64, aarch64), and Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2 or 2012 R2 core for FIPS 140-2 compliant systems.
  • Agent Platforms: Supports various Unix-like systems (Linux, Solaris, BSD, Mac OS X, AIX, HP-UX) and Microsoft Windows. Specific versions include RHEL 7, 8, 9, 10 (x86_64, aarch64, ppc64le), Ubuntu 18.04, 20.04, 22.04, 24.04 (amd64, aarch64), and Microsoft Windows 10 (x64) for FIPS 140-2 compliant systems.
• Latest Stable Version: Puppet Enterprise 2025.5.0.
• End of Support Date:
  • Puppet Enterprise 2023.8 (LTS) will have maintenance releases until August 2026.
  • Under a new support model, the "Latest" series receives full support for 12 months, and the "Latest - 1" series receives limited support for an additional 12 months.
  • PE 2025.Y series (Current “latest”) will receive updates until August 2026, then transition to “Latest - 1” with security updates, defect fixes, and minor changes until its EOL in August 2027.
• End of Life Date:
  • Puppet Enterprise 2023.8 (LTS) reaches End of Life (EOL) in August 2026.
  • PE 2021.7 (previous LTS) reached EOL on February 28, 2025.
  • PE 2025.Y series will reach EOL in August 2027.
  • Continuous Delivery (CD) version 4.x and Comply 2.x (legacy SCM) have an EOL effective February 5, 2026.
• License Type: Proprietary license. It is available as a subscription license, typically for one year, and often paired with support SKUs. Puppet Enterprise allows managing up to 10 nodes for free; more nodes require a purchased license.
• Deployment Model: Puppet Enterprise follows a client-server architecture, where agents are installed on managed machines and communicate with a central server (master). It supports on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments. It is available as a cloud-hosted or web-based solution.

Technical Requirements

• RAM: Substantial memory resources are required for the central server, especially when managing complex nodes.
• Processor: Substantial CPU resources are required for the central server, especially when managing complex nodes. Primary server platforms require an x86_64 architecture (or amd64 for Ubuntu). Agent platforms support x86_64, aarch64, and ppc64le architectures.
• Storage: Specific storage requirements are not detailed but are influenced by configuration and code base.
• Display: Not specified, but a standard display for console access is implied.
• Ports: The Puppet Enterprise console typically runs over the standard HTTPS port (443).
• Operating System:
  • Primary Server: Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 7, 8, 9, 10 (x86_64, ARM64, ppc64le for RHEL 9), Ubuntu 18.04, 20.04, 22.04, 24.04 (amd64, aarch64), Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2 or 2012 R2 core (for FIPS 140-2 compliant systems).
  • Agent Platforms: Various Unix-like systems (Linux, Solaris, BSD, Mac OS X, AIX, HP-UX) and Microsoft Windows. Specific versions include RHEL 7, 8, 9, 10 (x86_64, aarch64, ppc64le), Ubuntu 18.04, 20.04, 22.04, 24.04 (amd64, aarch64), and Microsoft Windows 10 (x64) (for FIPS 140-2 compliant systems).

Analysis of Technical Requirements: Puppet Enterprise is designed for robust, enterprise-level infrastructure management, necessitating significant server resources for optimal performance, especially in complex environments. The broad support for various Linux distributions and Windows, across multiple architectures (x86_64, ARM64, ppc64le), highlights its versatility for heterogeneous IT landscapes. The requirements emphasize the need for careful planning and scaling of the primary server to handle the demands of agent communication and catalog compilation. While specific RAM, processor, and storage figures are not universally fixed, they are directly proportional to the scale and complexity of the managed infrastructure. The use of standard HTTPS for console access simplifies network configuration.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: Puppet Enterprise 2025.5.0.
• OS Support: Extensive support for various operating systems, including Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 7, 8, 9, 10, Ubuntu 18.04, 20.04, 22.04, 24.04, Microsoft Windows (10, Server 2012 R2), Solaris, BSD, Mac OS X, AIX, and HP-UX.
• End of Support Date:
  • PE 2023.8 (LTS) receives maintenance releases until August 2026.
  • The new support model features "Latest" (12 months full support) and "Latest - 1" (additional 12 months limited support) tracks.
  • PE 2025.Y series will transition to "Latest - 1" in August 2026 and reach EOL in August 2027.
• Localization: Not explicitly detailed in the provided information.
• Available Drivers: Puppet Enterprise integrates with various platforms and technologies, implying compatibility through its module ecosystem rather than traditional drivers. It supports integration with cloud vendors like AWS and Azure.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status: Puppet Enterprise demonstrates strong compatibility across a wide array of operating systems and architectures, making it suitable for diverse IT environments. The shift to a "Latest" and "Latest - 1" support model aims to accelerate product innovation while providing a clear lifecycle for enterprises. Long-Term Support (LTS) releases, such as 2023.8, offer extended maintenance, catering to organizations requiring greater stability. While specific localization details are not prominent, its broad adoption suggests a global user base. Compatibility with major cloud providers and an extensive module library ensure its adaptability and extensibility within modern infrastructure. The platform's ability to manage multiple Linux flavors with the same codebase is a significant strength.

Security Status

• Security Features:
  • Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) for secure accessibility based on roles and responsibilities.
  • Desired state conflict resolution ensures consistent configurations, mitigating discrepancies.
  • Integrates essential security measures and compliance features.
  • Supports FIPS 140-2 compliant Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Microsoft Windows versions.
  • Vulnerability remediation features are embedded into infrastructure automation, enabling DevSecOps collaboration.
  • Automated reporting and security baseline enforcement.
• Known Vulnerabilities:
  • Older versions (e.g., prior to 3.1.0) were affected by multiple vulnerabilities, including remote code execution, denial of service, and console account brute-force issues (CVE-2013-2065, CVE-2013-4957, CVE-2013-4965, CVE-2013-4287).
  • A privilege escalation allowing remote code execution was discovered in the orchestration service (CVE-2023-2530).
  • Versions prior to 2016.4.5 or 2017.2.1 failed to mark MCollective server private keys as sensitive.
  • The console in Puppet Enterprise 3.7.x, 3.8.x, and 2015.2.x did not set the secure flag for the JSESSIONID cookie in HTTPS sessions, making it easier to capture.
  • MCollective versions prior to 2.10.4 deserialized YAML from agents insecurely, potentially allowing arbitrary code execution.
  • The Puppet Communications Protocol (PCP) Broker incorrectly validates message header sizes.
• Blacklist Status: No information found regarding a general blacklist status.
• Certifications: Governments and auditors certify Ubuntu (which Puppet Enterprise runs on) for FedRAMP, FISMA, and HITECH. FIPS 140-2 compliance is supported for specific OS versions.
• Encryption Support: Puppet Enterprise handles SSL certificates for secure communication between the primary server and agents.
• Authentication Methods: Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) is a key authentication and authorization method.
• General Recommendations: Regular updates to the latest stable versions are crucial to address known vulnerabilities. Utilizing built-in vulnerability remediation features and integrating security into infrastructure workflows is recommended.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating: Puppet Enterprise incorporates robust security features like RBAC and desired state enforcement, which are critical for maintaining a secure and compliant infrastructure. The platform actively addresses vulnerabilities through updates and provides tools for remediation, demonstrating a commitment to security. However, like any complex software, historical vulnerabilities exist, underscoring the importance of keeping the software up-to-date and following security best practices. The integration of security remediation into infrastructure automation workflows is a significant strength, promoting a DevSecOps approach and reducing the mean time to remediate (MTTR) vulnerabilities.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores: Not explicitly detailed in the provided information.
• Real-world Performance Metrics:
  • Enables rapid, repeatable changes and automatic enforcement of system consistency.
  • Designed to scale rapidly and efficiently without increasing headcount.
  • Performance enhancements for agents upgraded from version 7.30 to later versions are noted.
  • Memory optimization for internal cache generation in pe-console-services.
  • Can manage infrastructure beyond human scale.
• Power Consumption: Not explicitly detailed in the provided information.
• Carbon Footprint: Not explicitly detailed in the provided information.
• Comparison with Similar Assets:
  • Often compared to other configuration management tools like Chef and Ansible, with users noting Puppet's declarative language and continuous configuration management as strengths.
  • Distinguishes itself through advanced configuration management, real-time reporting, and role-based access control.
  • Its ability to maintain a consistent state across infrastructures is a noteworthy advantage.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status: Puppet Enterprise is engineered for high performance and scalability, crucial for managing large and complex IT infrastructures. While specific benchmark scores are not readily available, its design principles and user feedback emphasize its efficiency in automating deployments, enforcing configurations, and reducing manual tasks. The platform's continuous development includes performance enhancements and memory optimizations, indicating an ongoing commitment to improving its operational efficiency. Its declarative, model-based approach allows for consistent and rapid changes, making it a strong competitor in the infrastructure automation sector.

User Reviews & Feedback

• Strengths:
  • Robust automation capabilities, scalability, and ease of integration.
  • Ability to manage multiple Linux flavors with the same codebase and minimize configuration drift through scheduled runs.
  • Real-time reporting, desired state conflict resolution, and role-based access control are standout features.
  • Easy to deploy and maintain, especially for automation needs in Linux and Windows environments.
  • Comprehensive documentation and a strong support community.
  • Effective for large corporations and extensive IT environments, supporting an infrastructure-as-code approach.
  • Declarative language simplifies complex deployments.
• Weaknesses:
  • Steep learning curve, requiring a grasp of its ecosystem.
  • Can be expensive compared to some alternatives.
  • Central server requires substantial CPU and memory resources for complex nodes.
  • User interface could be more flexible.
  • Some users wish for continued support for certain Puppet-supported modules.
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • Organizations prioritizing configuration management and comprehensive automation.
  • Managing IT infrastructure across physical, virtual, and cloud-based environments.
  • Automating complex tasks, ensuring consistency, and integrating with scheduling systems.
  • Securing and maintaining compliance in large, security-conscious enterprises.
  • Continuous operations and rapid innovation in IT.

Summary

Puppet Enterprise is a powerful and comprehensive enterprise asset management solution designed for automating the provisioning, configuration, and ongoing management of IT infrastructure at scale. Its core strength lies in its declarative, model-driven approach, which allows organizations to define the desired state of their systems and automatically enforce consistency across diverse environments, including on-premises, cloud, and hybrid setups.

Key strengths include its extensive cross-platform compatibility, supporting a wide range of Linux distributions, Unix-like systems, and Windows operating systems across various architectures. Users consistently praise its robust automation capabilities, real-time reporting, desired state conflict resolution, and granular Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), which are critical for large-scale deployments and compliance. The platform's ability to manage multiple operating systems with a single codebase and its continuous enforcement of configurations are highly valued, minimizing configuration drift.

However, Puppet Enterprise presents a notable learning curve, which can be a barrier for new users. Its central server demands substantial CPU and memory resources, particularly in complex environments, necessitating careful resource planning. Some users also find it to be a more expensive option compared to alternatives.

From a security perspective, Puppet Enterprise integrates essential security measures, including FIPS 140-2 compliance for specific OS versions and robust authentication methods like RBAC. Recent updates focus on embedding vulnerability remediation directly into infrastructure workflows, fostering a DevSecOps approach and accelerating threat response. While historical vulnerabilities exist, the platform's ongoing commitment to security updates and remediation tools helps maintain a strong overall security posture. Performance is geared towards scalability, with continuous enhancements and optimizations to handle enterprise-level demands efficiently.

In summary, Puppet Enterprise is an ideal solution for large organizations and complex IT environments that require advanced configuration management, consistent automation, and robust security. Its strengths in scalability, cross-platform support, and declarative automation outweigh its learning curve and resource demands for enterprises seeking to streamline operations and ensure compliance. The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations; for up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.