Why Can't I SSH to my instance using Chrome on OSX?

Overview

Mac OS X 2013-002 uses Java 7 by Oracle, which is an unsupported version by Chrome. This causes the SSH link to stop working, as we rely on Java to establish the SSH connection to an instance.

Resolution

To resolve the issue, Java 6 needs to be utilized in place of Java 7. The solution below can also be found in Apple's documentation here:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5559?viewlocale=en_US

First, you will need to navigate to Terminal (Utilities > Terminal).

Next, enter this command within terminal:

sudo mkdir -p /Library/Internet\ Plug-Ins/disabled

This creates a disabled folder for your plugins. Following completion of that command, you will want to run the following:

sudo mv /Library/Internet\ Plug-Ins/JavaAppletPlugin.plugin /Library/Internet\ Plug-Ins/disabled

This moves your current Java plugin to the previously created disabled folder. After that has completed, run this within the terminal:

sudo ln -sf /System/Library/Java/Support/Deploy.bundle/Contents/Resources/JavaPlugin2_NPAPI.plugin /Library/Internet\ Plug-Ins/JavaAppletPlugin.plugin

This creates a symbolic link to the correct Java plugin. The last step will actually enable the Java 6 plugin:

sudo ln -sf /System/Library/Frameworks/JavaVM.framework/Commands/javaws /usr/bin/javaws

This should address the issue of SSH no longer working in Chrome on OS/X. To revert these changes, please refer to the following steps:

Disable Java SE 6 Web Start opening:

1. sudo ln -sf /System/Library/Frameworks/JavaVM.framework/Versions/Current/Commands/javaws /usr/bin/javaws

   • Enter this command, then press the Return or Enter key:
   • When prompted, enter your administrator password, then press the Return or Enter key.
      
2. Re-enable the Java 7 applet plug-in by downloading and reinstalling the latest version of Oracle Java 7 JRE.

If you have issues beyond this point, please contact RightScale support.