can't log in graphically after editing /etc/shadow

Deewanagan · 08-02-2009, 01:30 AM

hi everyone,
i saw a tutorial in a book about breaking password in linux, it was mostly the same as its in here, it just needed to boot via a live cd, then mount the / partition, after that delete the password in /etc/shadow. well i tried it on my machine, it did worked. but i could only get inside computer via terminal(crtl+alt+Fx) not graphically. does anybody know why?

Tanx

// Moderator Note: I've pruned your post from the thread you posted in originally. Although your issue is related, it's still better served in its own thread. I've also gone ahead and moved your post to the Software forum for better exposure.

Meson · 08-02-2009, 06:29 PM

The GDM has an option to not allow users with empty passwords. Is this what you've done? Are you logging in to the terminal with no password?

Deewanagan · 08-09-2009, 02:21 AM

i didn't know about that, i will search for it and post the result,
yes i can login into terminal without a password.
tanx

Disillusionist · 08-09-2009, 05:59 AM

You really should not use accounts with no password.

I would login to the terminal and set a new password with the passwd command.

Meson · 08-09-2009, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deewanagan

i didn't know about that, i will search for it and post the result,
yes i can login into terminal without a password.
tanx

So yeah, you removed the password from your account, the the GDM setting to disallow empty passwords was set (which it is by default.) Do you necessarily want no password for your account? Because another setting you can do through the GDM is autologin for a particular user.

If you do want an empty password, I'd at least recommend that you disable remote logins for that user. (Of course you are entitled to setup your system however you'd like)

Deewanagan · 08-10-2009, 02:39 AM

tanx for your replies,

i just wanted to see if i could break the password of an account, there is no way i would want an account with out a password.

tanx again,
jahed

Meson · 08-10-2009, 09:43 AM

Well, if you have root access, you can reset the password of any account.

What you did is effective if you forget your root password.