LinuxQuestions.org

LinuxQuestions.org (/questions/)
-   Linux - Newbie (https://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-newbie-8/)
-   -   My first question, "Why does Iplist/Ipblock need a password? (https://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-newbie-8/my-first-question-why-does-iplist-ipblock-need-a-password-832712/)

Alnitak 09-16-2010 09:55 PM

My first question, "Why does Iplist/Ipblock need a password?
 
Just as the title says. Why am I required to input my user password to launch this program?
I am using 10.04 Ubuntu and this requirement does kind of annoy me.

I like making a second account that can admin the system, and my main account has the admin option disabled in the 'Users & Groups'. I read it's secure to do this, but I see other downsides.

Firestarter too requires a password to load it's GUI.

Is there any work around because I don't like leaving admin privileges enabled especially when I'm not at the computer.

Thanks in advance :)

MS3FGX 09-16-2010 11:37 PM

Essentially anything that involves reading or modifying system files or parameters requires higher permissions than the user account. It was really only recently that users could mount devices without entering in a password.

Giving your password to run those programs through sudo is however perfectly safe and the excepted method. Granting single programs like Firestarter root-level permissions do not effect the permissions of any of the other running programs.

chrism01 09-16-2010 11:40 PM

Quote:

excepted
A Freudian slip methinks ;)
I would have used 'accepted', but maybe the American dictionary is different... Ok, so it's Friday arvo here :)

Alnitak 09-17-2010 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MS3FGX (Post 4100106)
Essentially anything that involves reading or modifying system files or parameters requires higher permissions than the user account. It was really only recently that users could mount devices without entering in a password.

Giving your password to run those programs through sudo is however perfectly safe and the excepted method. Granting single programs like Firestarter root-level permissions do not effect the permissions of any of the other running programs.

So is it possible to load Iplist / Firestarter without a password so I don't need admin privileges?

I usually proxy and packet filter, as some files can take a while. So having my computer with admin enabled for long periods is my main concern. I'm in desire of a possible work around user side to run them without having to switch back and forth between my fake root / second account to enable, and my main without the elevated privileges.

I don't see why Iplist requires a sudo password considering it is just packet filtering, or is there some higher elevated area to it I'm unaware? Such as it mandatory to have root-level for it?

I guess my view is, having a packet filter running for days to weeks with admin enabled is a security issue. That's my main concern.
:)


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:15 AM.