How to change database password for the postgres backend user

This document (000021100) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.

Environment

SUSE Manager 4.3

Situation

The SUSE Manager administrator needs to change the password for the database backend user "susemanager".

Resolution

Before making the suggested changes make sure to have a valid database backup or a snapshot in case of virtual machines.

1. Stop spacewalk-service by executing "spacewalk-service stop"

2. Change the password for the user "susemanager" in the database by running the following statement:
spacewalk-sql --select-mode - <<<"ALTER ROLE susemanager WITH PASSWORD 'YOUR_NEW_PASSWORD';"

3. Change the password in the following files and provide it with the one you have just set before

- Change "db_password" in /etc/rhn/rhn.conf
- Change "pass" in /etc/salt/master.d/susemanager_db.conf
- Change "password" in /etc/salt/master.d/susemanager_engine.conf

4. Start spacewalk-service by executing "spacewalk-service start"

Cause

When setting up SUSE Manager server the database password for the backend user is never changed but due to security conditions there can arise a demand to change it regularly.

Disclaimer

This Support Knowledgebase provides a valuable tool for SUSE customers and parties interested in our products and solutions to acquire information, ideas and learn from one another. Materials are provided for informational, personal or non-commercial use within your organization and are presented "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.