How To Configure Root Login for Telnet

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Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9

Situation

In rare cases root login is needed for Telnet.

This is very insecure and SUSE recommends SSH when connecting to a server as root.

Resolution

Edit the file /etc/securetty and add the following to the end of the file:

pts/0

pts/1

pts/2

pts/3

pts/4

pts/5

pts/6

pts/7

pts/8

pts/9

pts/10

This will allow up to 10 telnet sessions to the server as root. To limit the number of sessions root can have, simply remove lines. Once the file has been saved, issue rcxinetd restart to restart telnetd.

Please note as of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 the telnet server functionality is provided by the package telnet-server. Please use "yast2 -i telnet-server" to install it.

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.