How to disable root login (Not over SSH)?

pinga123 · 11-26-2010, 01:48 AM

I have already disabled root login over the ssh by modifying /etc/ssh/sshd_config.

But how would i disable root login on a server itself.
We have implemented LDAP in our environment and our security guide states that root login must be obtained by first logging into the host using his/her own regular userid then gaining root privileges by using the SU.

Code:

# lsb_release -a
LSB Version:    :core-3.1-ia32:core-3.1-noarch:graphics-3.1-ia32:graphics-3.1-noarch
Distributor ID: EnterpriseEnterpriseServer
Description:    Enterprise Linux Enterprise Linux Server release 5.2 (Carthage)
Release:        5.2
Codename:       Carthage
[root@~]# uname -a
Linux TomcatServer 2.6.18-92.el5 #1 SMP Fri May 23 22:17:30 EDT 2008 i686 i686 i386 GNU/Linux

EDDY1 · 11-26-2010, 01:58 AM

I believe you would add root to nologin group in /etc/groups.

EDDY1 · 11-26-2010, 02:04 AM

Try this 1

http://www.brighthub.com/computing/l...les/36257.aspx

pinga123 · 11-26-2010, 02:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EDDY1

I believe you would add root to nologin group in /etc/groups.

There is no such group as nologin in /etc/groups

pinga123 · 11-26-2010, 02:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EDDY1

Try this 1

http://www.brighthub.com/computing/l...les/36257.aspx

Not sure about flushing the /etc/securetty file.

druuna · 11-26-2010, 02:08 AM

Hi,

You might want to take a look at sudo, which makes it possible for a normal user to become root (among other things) without knowing the actual root password. This, sudo, might already be partially implemented on your distro (which you do not mention).

Create and set a random/hard password for root. Put the password in an envelope and give that envelope to someone that has the authority to decide if the root password is actually needed. S/he puts the password in a safe place.

Reason for edit: Original question has been altered after given answers.

Hope this helps.

chickenjoy · 11-26-2010, 03:00 AM

empty out the file: /etc/securetty

Code:

# > /etc/securetty

-- this will not allow the user 'root' to login directly from the login prompt in the virtual terminals (alt + Fx) even when in front of the machine.
-- but anyone other than root CAN login and if he/she knows the password to the root account; he can run 'su' command to switch to the root user.

based on the original question; I believe this is the solution.

druuna · 11-26-2010, 03:21 AM

@pinga123: Do not change the question in your original post _after_ people have given you advise. The answers given might look out of context if you do this!! My answer isn't appropriate any more now you have changed it.

If you want/need to change the original question for whatever reason, post a follow up message!!

pinga123 · 11-26-2010, 04:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by druuna

@pinga123: Do not change the question in your original post _after_ people have given you advise. The answers given might look out of context if you do this!! My answer isn't appropriate any more now you have changed it.

If you want/need to change the original question for whatever reason, post a follow up message!!

I didnt change the question just added the operating system details by editing it.