Comments on: How to get a shell with root access in Ubuntu similar to “su” in RedHat or Fedora Linux http://www.techpulp.com/blog/2009/05/how-to-get-a-shell-with-root-access-in-ubuntu-similar-to-su-in-redhat-or-fedora-linux/ The pulp of technology Sat, 12 May 2012 22:10:13 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Alvin http://www.techpulp.com/blog/2009/05/how-to-get-a-shell-with-root-access-in-ubuntu-similar-to-su-in-redhat-or-fedora-linux/#comment-63 Alvin Wed, 13 May 2009 06:17:10 +0000 http://techpulp.com/?p=697#comment-63 There is a third method -- just set the password for the root user! neo:/home/neo> sudo passwd root Enter new UNIX password: Retype new UNIX password: passwd: password updated successfully neo:/home/neo> It might also be necessary to set up root's home directory in /etc/passwd, a trivial task for an experienced admin. Of course, this method sort of defeats the whole purpose of disabling the root user, but IMHO that's just stuff and nonsense. The root user has the power to destroy the entire system. The Ubuntu default strategy is to put 5 keystrokes between an inexperienced admin and Armageddon. sudo rm -rf /usr/bin (seen it happen) s.u.d.o.space, 5 keystrokes. There's some safety. That's like using toy balloons for airbags. So long as you don't drive into a tree, they work fine. There is a third method — just set the password for the root user!

neo:/home/neo> sudo passwd root
Enter new UNIX password:
Retype new UNIX password:
passwd: password updated successfully
neo:/home/neo>

It might also be necessary to set up root’s home directory in /etc/passwd, a trivial task for an experienced admin.

Of course, this method sort of defeats the whole purpose of disabling the root user, but IMHO that’s just stuff and nonsense. The root user has the power to destroy the entire system. The Ubuntu default strategy is to put 5 keystrokes between an inexperienced admin and Armageddon.

sudo rm -rf /usr/bin

(seen it happen)

s.u.d.o.space, 5 keystrokes. There’s some safety. That’s like using toy balloons for airbags. So long as you don’t drive into a tree, they work fine.

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