Cannot modify sshd_config [Operation not permitted]

ximpda · 04-12-2009, 03:38 AM

I've recently been getting SSH brute force attacks on port 22 and i'd like to change the SSH port.

However, i cannot modify nor change permissions for sshd_config file under /etc/ssh

Tried changing the immutable attribute using

Code:

chattr -i sshd_config

But didnt help.

I still cant save the file from vi editor.
chmodding it doesnt help either.

Code:

[root@YSD001 ssh]# lsattr sshd_config
-u---a------- sshd_config

Code:

[root@localhost ssh]# chmod 666 sshd_config
chmod: changing permissions of `sshd_config': Operation not permitted

[root@localhost ssh]# sudo chmod 666 sshd_config
chmod: changing permissions of `sshd_config': Operation not permitted

I'm logged in as root, and modify and change files daily. I dont know why its not working on this particular file ?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Roflcopter · 04-12-2009, 04:04 AM

i'm a linux noob and I've never had this happen to me, but can you change the permissions of sshd_config while the sshd daemon is running?

ximpda · 04-12-2009, 04:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roflcopter

i'm a linux noob and I've never had this happen to me, but can you change the permissions of sshd_config while the sshd daemon is running?

I Guess you might be right. But how can i turn off the sshd daemon and still control the server remotely ?

ximpda · 04-12-2009, 04:21 AM

Other flags had to be removed as well via chattr -ua sshd_config

Thanks anyway.
Worked.

repo · 04-12-2009, 04:27 AM

Quote:

i'm a linux noob and I've never had this happen to me, but can you change the permissions of sshd_config while the sshd daemon is running?

yes

which distribution are you using?
Can you change other files in that directory?

try

Code:

chattr -u -a sshd_config

Roflcopter · 04-12-2009, 04:29 AM

- removed -