My processes with root priviledge

SiLiCoN · 10-04-2004, 03:35 AM

hi,
This has remained a question in my mind for some time now and was wondering if any of you can help me solve this.
I (normal user) cannot write to /etc/passwd......but my process "chfn" can do so
I cant write to others terminal but "write username terminal_no" can
Even if i m the process owner (if i start the process) they can have the right to do things that i cannot...how is this done?

PS: sorry if i m asking a stupid question. I m just a newbie

Thanks

dustu76 · 10-04-2004, 04:32 AM

If you see the access permissions for these programs using ls, you would see the character "s" in the -rwx... string. This means that even if they are invoked by you, they run with the privilege of the owner/group depending upon the ownership details.

Search the net for setuid/setgid programs & your doubts would be cleared...

HTH.

SiLiCoN · 10-04-2004, 04:57 AM

Thanks man