Azure VM/VMSS: Deprecated Image Deployment Warning

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Azure VM/VMSS: Deprecated Image Deployment Warning

Introduction

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into a crucial feature enhancement for Azure Virtual Machines (VMs) and Virtual Machine Scale Sets (VMSS). The main goal? To throw a warning when you, the user, attempt to deploy a VM or VMSS using an image that's on its way out – a deprecated image. This isn't just some random update; it's a vital step towards enhancing security, ensuring compliance, and optimizing resource utilization within the Azure ecosystem. So, let's break it down and see why this matters and how it's going to make your life easier and more secure.

Background and Motivation

In the vast world of Azure, the marketplace is brimming with images that users can leverage to deploy VMs and VMSS. However, not all images are created equal, and more importantly, not all images stick around forever. Many images, after serving their purpose, become deprecated. Now, you might be wondering, "Why is this a problem?" Well, deprecated images can lead to a whole host of issues:

  • Additional Capacity Costs: Deprecated images still consume storage and resources, leading to unnecessary costs for Azure. We don't want that, right?
  • Security Risks: Older images might contain outdated software with known vulnerabilities, posing a significant security risk.
  • Compliance Issues: Using deprecated images can lead to non-compliance with industry standards and regulations.

The current process for handling deprecated images involves notifying users via email. But let's be honest, how many of us actually read every single email we get? Exactly. This is where the new feature comes in, acting as a more direct and effective way to alert you about these deprecated images.

The Urgency: .NET 6 Deprecation and Windows Server 2022

There's a specific reason why this feature is being fast-tracked. The deprecation of .NET 6 has a ripple effect, leading to the deprecation of all Windows Server 2022 images from the marketplace. This is huge! WS 2022 images contain software that's reaching its end-of-life (EOL), which means they come with increased security risks. We need to ensure that everyone – both first-party (1P) and third-party (3P) services – moves away from these images ASAP. Time is of the essence!

Proposed Solution

The heart of this feature lies in modifying the az vm create and az vmss create commands. The idea is simple but powerful: when you try to create a VM or VMSS using an image that's marked as "scheduled for deprecation", the system will throw a warning. This warning will explicitly advise you against using the image, highlighting the potential security and compliance risks. Think of it as a friendly but firm nudge in the right direction.

Feature Details: Throwing the Warning

How It Works

The core of this enhancement revolves around making the Azure CLI more proactive in preventing the use of deprecated images. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

  1. Command Interception: When you execute either the az vm create or az vmss create command, the system will now perform an additional check.
  2. Image Status Verification: It will verify the status of the image you've selected against the Azure marketplace metadata.
  3. Deprecation Status Check: The system will specifically look for the ImageDeprecationStatus. If the image is marked as Deprecated or ScheduledForDeprecation, the magic happens.
  4. Warning Display: A warning message will be displayed right in your console. This message will clearly state that the image is deprecated and advise against its use due to security and compliance concerns.

Example Scenario

Let’s paint a picture. Imagine you're trying to create a new VM using a Windows Server 2022 image. You run the command:

az vm create --resource-group MyResourceGroup --name MyVM --image Win2022datacenter

Now, if Win2022datacenter is marked as deprecated, instead of proceeding silently, the Azure CLI will display something like this:

WARNING: The image 'Win2022datacenter' is deprecated and should not be used. Using deprecated images poses security and compliance risks. Please select a different image.

This immediate feedback is invaluable, giving you a chance to reconsider your choice and opt for a more secure and compliant image.

Benefits of This Approach

  • Proactive Alerting: Unlike email notifications that can be easily missed, this warning is displayed right when you're about to make a decision.
  • Clear Communication: The warning message clearly communicates the risks associated with using deprecated images.
  • Prevention over Cure: By warning you upfront, the feature helps prevent potential security breaches and compliance violations before they occur.

Alternatives Considered

Email Notifications

As mentioned earlier, the current method of notifying users about deprecated images relies heavily on email notifications. While this approach has its merits, it's simply not effective enough. Emails can get lost in the inbox clutter, and users often ignore them, especially if they're not aware of the potential consequences. We needed a more direct and attention-grabbing method.

Soft Delete Process

Another alternative is a "soft delete" process, which blocks users from creating new VMs using deprecated images. While this is a more aggressive approach, it can potentially cause outages if users have ignored previous notifications and are suddenly unable to deploy new VMs. It's like cutting off the water supply without warning – not ideal!

The warning system strikes a balance between these two extremes. It provides a clear and immediate alert without completely blocking the user, allowing them to make an informed decision.

Additional Context and Related Features

.NET 6 Deprecation and Windows Server 2022 Image Deprecation

For more detailed information about the .NET 6 deprecation and its impact on Windows Server 2022 images, check out this article: Breaking Change for Window Server 2022 Image Users.

This deprecation is a large-scale event, affecting all WS 2022 marketplace image users. That's why this feature is being prioritized for implementation and release ideally by January 2026. We're on a mission to keep your Azure environment secure and compliant!

Related Feature

There's also a related feature in the works to remove deprecating images from the recent used OS image list in the VM/VMSS creating portal UI: Feature 34692513. This will further reduce the chances of accidentally selecting a deprecated image.

Checking ImageDeprecationStatus

If you're curious about how to check the ImageDeprecationStatus programmatically, you can refer to the Azure Compute REST API documentation: Virtual Machine Images - Get - REST API (Azure Compute).

Look for the ImageState property; if it's set to Deprecated, you know the image is on its way out.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! The new warning feature for deprecated images in Azure VMs and VMSS is a significant step forward in enhancing security, ensuring compliance, and optimizing resource utilization. By providing proactive alerts and clear communication, this feature empowers you to make informed decisions and avoid potential pitfalls. Stay tuned for its release, and let's keep our Azure environments safe and sound! This enhancement to az vm create and az vmss create is expected to be released in January 2026.