Tagged Questions

2
votes
0answers
49 views

Prevent that TrueCrypt gets Administrator rights

If I try to open a TrueCrypt drive, TrueCrypt asks me for my administrator-password (also when I am a normal user). I know, that i can prevent this password-asking by editing the sudoers file = giving ...
2
votes
1answer
48 views

Is there a patch for vulnerability in recent Linux kernels that offers root rights

An error in the handling of special netlink messages in the Linux kernel can allow a user to surreptitiously gain root privileges. To read the rest of the article, please click the following ...
1
vote
3answers
1k views

Why does `sudo passwd root` reset my root password? Is this a security risk?

Both in my ubuntu desktop host and virtual machine. I have't login as root for about a month, during which I upgraded the kernel. I found my root password doesn't work anymore. However, by using sudo ...
5
votes
1answer
119 views

How can Firefox install WebApps without root privileges?

When visiting a supported site Firefox shows a pop-up message asking if you want to install a WebApp (for instance facebook, pandora, etc). If you accept, the corresponding package is installed (for ...
3
votes
2answers
63 views

Security practice regarding users

Please understand that I've migrated to a Ubuntu Desktop from Win7 some months ago and while I have been reading about sudoers and Linux in general my understanding is still limited. This is how I ...
1
vote
1answer
142 views

Ubuntu security with services running from /opt

It took me a while to understand what's going on here (I think), but can someone explain to me if there are security risks with regards to my logic of what's going on here as I am trying to set up a ...
5
votes
2answers
460 views

NVIDIA Linux Driver Hack Gives You Root Access?

Launchpad bug link: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/nvidia-graphics-drivers-updates/+bug/1032344 Apparently there is a security vulnerability with the current Nvidia Drivers that gives the ...
1
vote
1answer
74 views

Configuring permissions with Bastille

I was using Bastille to improve the security of my OS. To set this software properly, it ask you several questions related to security rules and you respond it (Y-N). I'm stuck at this question that I ...
1
vote
3answers
291 views

Running Programs As Root While Online

I'm remastering an Ubuntu based distro, meant to be used live only and primarily as a browser so a users hard-drive can be virus free while online. This live browsing adds security for Linux users, ...
0
votes
1answer
231 views

Many process named “su-to-root” appeared on my system monitor, is my computer owned?

Two process named gksu and two process named su-to-root appeared on my system monitor, is my computer owned? How can I be sure, and if this true, how can I rip out the intruder without full system ...
3
votes
2answers
1k views

How Do I Stop The Service Sudo?

I want to make it impossible for any root commands to be issued during a Live Boot session. I don't want anyone being able to sign in as root. Period! So, is it possible to stop the sudo service? ...
10
votes
3answers
752 views

How can I make everything just assume I'm running as the superuser?

Is there a way I can make things just assume that when I run them I am running them as a privileged administrator (AKA root)? I know it could be dangerous and all, but its a risk I'm willing to take ...
24
votes
3answers
3k views

When to use pkexec vs. gksu/gksudo?

There are two general ways to run applications graphically as root (or, more generally, as another user). Programs like gksu, gksudo, and kdesudo are graphical frontends for sudo. In contrast, pkexec ...
1
vote
1answer
649 views

Why there is no password to root under Recovery Mode?

I am trying to understand this situation... Today I got a problem with de sudoers file since I modified and got problem whit this modification. So the only way to solve the problem was to modify the ...
4
votes
4answers
725 views

How to disable GUI root login?

Sometime ago I just tested to see if I could login to desktop from root, and I succeeded. I clicked on Others on the userlist and entered root and its password and logged in. Now I'd like to know how ...
54
votes
17answers
5k views

Why is it bad to run as root?

I've often come across posts on forums or other websites where you see people joking in such a manner about running/logging in as root as if it's something awful and everyone ought to know about it. ...
31
votes
9answers
11k views

What is the difference between “gksudo nautilus” and “sudo nautilus”?

I've been using gksudo nautilus and sudo nautilus through Alt+F2. What's the difference? They look very similar!
22
votes
14answers
5k views

Why is there no option to login as root?

Why does Ubuntu not allow the GUI users to login as root at the time of system start up like administrator in Windows? Why they are restricting us to login only through the terminal?