n8n Workflow: Server Package Upgrade Checker and Notifier

This n8n workflow automates the process of checking a server for upgradable packages and sending an email notification if any are found. It's designed to help system administrators stay on top of server maintenance and security updates.

What it does

This workflow performs the following steps:

1. Schedules Execution: The workflow is triggered on a predefined schedule (e.g., daily, weekly).
2. Connects via SSH: It establishes an SSH connection to a specified server.
3. Executes Code: It runs a custom code snippet, likely to execute a command on the server that checks for available package upgrades (e.g., apt list --upgradable for Debian/Ubuntu, yum check-update for CentOS/RHEL).
4. Conditional Check: It evaluates the output from the SSH command using an "If" node. This node likely checks if there are any upgradable packages detected.
5. Sends Email Notification: If upgradable packages are found (the "If" condition is true), it sends an email with the relevant details.

Prerequisites/Requirements

To use this workflow, you will need:

• n8n Instance: A running n8n instance.
• SSH Credentials: SSH credentials (host, username, private key or password) for the server you want to monitor. These will be configured in the "SSH" node.
• SMTP Credentials: SMTP server details (host, port, user, password) for sending emails. These will be configured in the "Send Email" node.
• Target Email Address: The email address(es) to which notifications should be sent.

Setup/Usage

1. Import the Workflow:
   • Download the workflow JSON.
   • In your n8n instance, go to "Workflows" and click "New".
   • Click the "Import from JSON" button and paste the workflow JSON.
2. Configure SSH Credentials:
   • Open the "SSH" node.
   • Create or select an existing SSH credential.
   • Enter your server's host, username, and authentication method (e.g., private key or password).
   • Important: The command field within the SSH node needs to be configured with the actual command to check for upgradable packages on your specific server's operating system (e.g., sudo apt list --upgradable or yum check-update).
3. Configure "Code" Node:
   • The "Code" node will likely process the output of the SSH command. You may need to adjust its JavaScript code to parse the output and determine if upgrades are available, and to format the data for the email.
4. Configure "If" Node:
   • Open the "If" node.
   • Configure the condition to check the output from the "Code" node. For example, it might check if a specific variable containing the list of upgradable packages is not empty.
5. Configure "Send Email" Node:
   • Open the "Send Email" node.
   • Create or select an existing SMTP credential.
   • Enter the recipient email address(es) in the "To" field.
   • Customize the "Subject" and "Body" of the email. You can use expressions to include the list of upgradable packages from the previous nodes.
6. Configure "Schedule Trigger":
   • Open the "Schedule Trigger" node.
   • Set your desired interval for the workflow to run (e.g., every day, once a week).
7. Activate the Workflow:
   • Save the workflow.
   • Toggle the workflow to "Active" in the top right corner.

The workflow will now run automatically on your defined schedule, check for server package upgrades, and notify you via email if any are pending.