Linux Redhat - How do you turn on "root" login via a telnet session

[Angie_1]

I want to change our Linux Redhat system to allow it so that if I telnet to the system, I can login as root. Not login under my userid and then SU. Can someone please tell me if this is possible?

Thanks,
Angie

[Steven E. Protter · Accepted solution]

Yes, it is possible

root access is by default blocked in /etc/securetty

This thread shows how to block it, reverse the instructions
http://forums1.itrc.hp.com/service/forums/questionanswer.do?threadId=11821

...
One way to allow root login is to add entries to the file '/etc/securetty' like this:

...
pts/0
pts/1
pts/2
...
pts/10
...

You know doing this is a major security violation right?

You know that you can use openssh/secure shell and do direct root logins?

You know that telnet authentication is in clear text which means after you do this, the root password is going to be passing back and forth in clear text?

Using ethereal I on your network, anyone could intercept the root password in as long as it takes to do a single root login.

I strongly advise you NOT follow the instructions I have just provided you.

Good Luck,


SEP

[Angie_1]

Thanks for the information.

I actually didn't know that using telnet and logging in will have unencrypted information being passed.

So please tell me more about the following"

"You know that you can use openssh/secure shell and do direct root logins?"

Thanks,
Angie

[Martin P.J. Zinser]

Hello Angie,

you mean like this ;-)

sundum:/home/zinser # ssh root@sundum
root@sundum's password:
Last login: Thu Jan 15 15:58:38 2004 from sundum.deutsche-boerse.de
Have a lot of fun...
sundum:~ #


You might need to accept the identity of the target system if you do this for the first time.

Greetings, Martin

[Angie_1]

Thank you both!

Angie

[Steven E. Protter]

On the Linux Side. Install openssh and openssh-server if this exists on your distribution cd's

Then, same thing if your client is linux.

You connect as follows

ssh root@systemname

If you are using a windows client, you need an ssh client, putty is a good free client I use all the time.

Let me know if I can provide further information.

Thanks for the points btw.

SEP