Wiping bash command history?

skewer · 07-30-2003, 09:07 AM

Hi all

I've just noticed how my password is stored as a bash command accessible via PgUp in a terminal (well, via Ctrl+Alt+F1 at least). I presume the command history can be deleted, but mine has many commands from weeks ago and I'm worried about the security implications. Sure, it's not like I have heaps of bank data or anything, but if I vanish to the bathroom there's a risk someone could get the password & leave no trace.

Cheers,
SQR

lfur · 07-30-2003, 12:28 PM

If you wanna wipe out the history file (in BASH):
> .bash_history

If you wanna preserve some lines, you can do:

Code:

tail --lines=number .bash_history > .bash_history.tmp; mv   .bash_history.tmp .bash_history

But I don't know how you managed to get your passwords in you history file. Or maybe I just don't understand your problem.

david_ross · 07-30-2003, 12:45 PM

Or:
history -c

skewer · 07-30-2003, 02:33 PM

I don't know how the password got there either, but it did. I'll try your stuff as soon as I get offline, and I might repost here if I find out how it occurred (if I can replicate the situation someone might have a prevention for it, rather than a cure...)

Cheers,
SQR