how to run an --up script using network-manager-openvpn?

Question

I'm using network-manager-openvpn (w Ubuntu 14.04) to manage VPN connections (client end).

I need to run a script when a VPN is activated to fix some routing issues. I know how to do this using openvpn config options ( --script-security 2 --up /script.. ) but I can not figure out a sensible way with network-manager in the mix.

Is there a "recommended" way to approach this without reverting to pre-network-manager config files?

Or is there a suggested way to detect that the VPN has come up and hence triggering an action (something a bit more elegant than firing off a cron to look at the status every minute would be appreciated!)?

Answer 1

Add your script to /etc/network/if-up.d/ directory.

All the scripts in this directory will run when a connection or vpn connection starts (up|vpn-up).

As noted here network-manager-openvpn does not provide such functionality, you otherwise have to use openvpn directly.

Because this directory load scripts on connection and vpn connection, your script may require additional checks.

Take a look at the file /etc/NetworkManager/dispatcher.d/01ifupdown. You can see the which directories are used when connection changes.

I use the /etc/network/if-post-down.d/ directory with a script to disconnect in the event my vpn connection fails.

Hope this helps, cheers.