SUSE - Root Shell accidentally set to /bin/false

LinuxBaby · 02-20-2008, 06:01 PM

Hi guys,

I got an urgent problem with SUSE Linux.

I accidentally set root shell to /bin/false. Hence, when I logged out, I can't access back to the Root Super User. I can still work with the server but I can't access to root.

Anything I can do to return this to /bin/bash?

Hope you could help me.

Thanks!

billymayday · 02-20-2008, 06:04 PM

Try hitting escape at the grub screen, and edit the suse starup by putting single at the end of the kernel line. Boot, then edit /etc/passwd. I assume this works, unless the partition is mounted readonly.

If it is, boot a live CD, then mount the sus partition and make the change to passwd

jschiwal · 02-20-2008, 06:35 PM

I don't think "single" would work. That would use the system directories and root's shell would still be /bin/false.

You could try the "rescue" boot option or "init=/bin/bash". The latter will drop you into the shell as root. For both of these, you will need to mount the root directory to access the regular /etc/passwd file.

forrestt · 02-20-2008, 06:39 PM

Are you able to login as a different user?

If so, you can run

Code:

su -s /bin/bash

And then fix your problem.

HTH

Forrest

Never mind, that wont work. But, let us know if you can get a different user.

LinuxBaby · 02-20-2008, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by forrestt

Are you able to login as a different user?

If so, you can run

Code:

su -s /bin/bash

And then fix your problem.

HTH

Forrest

Never mind, that wont work. But, let us know if you can get a different user.

Yes I can still log to different user. Ok I'll try this later.

Thanks!

Micro420 · 02-20-2008, 07:16 PM

Yeah, no worries. You are still okay. Worse case is get a live boot CD like Knoppix, mount the partition, and then modify the /etc/fstab for root.

forrestt · 02-20-2008, 07:30 PM

You don't need to modify the /etc/fstab, just modify the /etc/passwd file. If you have a user with sudo privileges, then you can fix it with "sudo vi /etc/passwd" (or whatever editor you like).

HTH

Forrest

LinuxBaby · 02-21-2008, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LinuxBaby

Yes I can still log to different user. Ok I'll try this later.

Thanks!

This worked! Many thanks!