ulimit core file size set to zero in sudo sessions

This document (000020902) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.

Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for SAP Applications 15 Service Pack 4
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 Service Pack 4

Situation

In certain environments it may be desired to allow the capturing of core dump files in bash or any other shell. After updating to SUSE Linux Enterprise 15 Service Pack 4 based releases it is observed that sudo environments set the ulimit value of core file size to zero as illustrated in the following example

user@localhost:~> sudo -i -u linux
[sudo] password for linux:
linux@localhost:~> ulimit -a
core file size          (blocks, -c) 0
[...]

while for regular logins, sshd or "su -" sessions the value is set to "unlimited"

user@localhost:~> su - linux
Password:
linux@localhost:~> ulimit -a
core file size          (blocks, -c) unlimited
[...]

Resolution

Please add the option

Defaults rlimit_core=default

to /etc/sudoers using the command visudo as root.

Cause

A change in the behaviour of sudo to avoid potential security risks where a core dump file is treated as trusted input.

Additional Information

Please see the section of "Resource limits" in man 5 sudoers for details.

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.

Document ID:000020902
Creation Date: 22-Dec-2022
Modified Date:22-Dec-2022
- SUSE Linux Enterprise Server
- SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for SAP Applications

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