[ILUG] Root user

[Ciaran Johnston]

Hi Alvaro,

alvaro at gilabert.org said:
> Recently, someone modified the /etc/passwd in a Solaris 10 box,
> changing the first line and capitalizing the root user.
>
> As you can imagine, now it is impossible to log on as root. If you try
> to log on as root, it tells you that the user id doesn't exist. If you
> try as Root, it actually asks you for a password but lately tells you
> that such user doesn't exist.
>
> Someone pointed out to powerdown the machine (phisically, by
> unplugging it from the power supply), load the disk onto another
> Solaris box, mount the disk, modify the /etc/passwd and place the disk
> back onto its place.

That would work.

>
> Has someone faced a similar problem or someone has idea of a good
> solution?

If you have a jumpstart server somewhere in the network, then

boot net -s

will get you into single user mode, assuming the broken machine is
configured as a jumpstart client. If you don't already have a jumpstart
server set up you could set one up on another Solaris box - it's not
overly taxing.

>
> As a hint, none of the Solaris box has a CD/DVD drive (but yes, we can
> buy one)

That's your easiest option. Exactly the same end result as the jumpstart
server, though it will probably take less of your time.

This is all assuming that you have the password for the eeprom, if it is
password protected.

/Ciaran.