ClamAV fails to start after updating to the latest version.

This document (7015128) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.

Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 Service Pack 3 (SLES 11 SP3)
ClamAV

Situation

After running a system update which includes the latest ClamAV or manually updating to the latest ClamAV, the ClamAV service fails to start.

Resolution

Do not change the default ClamAV user and group "vscan" to a custom user and group.

Alternatively, fix the permissions for "/var/lib/clamav" to again point to the custom user and group after an update of the ClamAV RPM.

Cause

If a user and group is configured for ClamAV, it is also needed to manually adjust the rights for "/var/lib/clamav", which by default is set to the following;

drwxr-xr-x  vscan  vscan

When updating the RPM, permissions are "restored" to the defaults as the directory is unpacked with the permission settings it was packaged with, resulting in the service not starting anymore.

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.