Configuration error - unknown item 'ENCRYPT_METHOD_NIS' message

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Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP3

Situation

The error message

 configuration error - unknown item 'ENCRYPT_METHOD_NIS' (notify administrator)

appears when running useradd, usermod, after upgrading from SLES15 SP2 to SLES15 SP3.

Resolution

Install the latest version of login_defs package:

zypper update login_defs

In the file /etc/login.defs comment out or delete the line with ENCRYPT_METHOD_NIS:

vim /etc/login.defs

# ENCRYPT_METHOD_NIS is used by pam_unix_passwd.so.
# ENCRYPT_METHOD_NIS DES

Cause

ENCRYPT_METHOD_NIS has been deprecated in SLES 15 SP3 and the old configuration file /etc/login.defs has been preserved when migrating from SLES15 SP2.

# rpm -qi --changelog shadow

- Update to 4.8:
...
lun ago 19 2019
- encryption_method_nis.patch: drop, DES should really not be used anymore anywhere, even with NIS
- shadow-login_defs-suse.patch: remove encryption NIS entry

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:000020663
Creation Date: 31-May-2022
Modified Date:14-Sep-2022
- SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop
- SUSE Linux Enterprise Server
- SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for SAP Applications
- SUSE Manager Server