Re: Gain root access on linux servers with physical access

[Jordan Wiens <numatrix () ufl edu>]

http://linuxgazette.net/107/tomar.html

Basically, boot the boot loader in single-user mode, change password and 
reboot.  If the bootloader is password protected, boot from external 
media, manually edit the password file or use chroot and passwd, reboot 
without media, login.

--
Jordan Wiens, CISSP
UF Network Security Engineer
(352)392-2061


spammailme () gmail com wrote:
> All -
>
> I was wondering ideas on how to gain control of linux boxes with physical access to them in the hosting facility. 
>
> The owner has code on them yet never bothered monitoring or gaining root access and her developers are blackmailing 
> her. She has access the the hosting facility and the servers and backup staff yet needs to regain control of the 
> servers.
>
> I asked what OS are they? She did not know. nmap cannot tell and p0f states:
> # p0f
> p0f - passive os fingerprinting utility, version 2.0.8
> (C) M. Zalewski <lcamtuf () dione cc>, W. Stearns <wstearns () pobox com>
> p0f: listening (SYN) on 'eth0', 262 sigs (14 generic, cksum 0F1F5CA2), rule: 'all'.
> x.x.122.x:54368 - Linux 2.6 (newer, 2) (up: 410 hrs)
>   -> x.114.33.x:80 (distance 0, link: ethernet/modem)
>
> Any ideas how to get root with physical access? I remember in the past booting to a knoppix CD and messing with boot 
> loader yet it has been a while.
>
> Also the only ports open are 80 & 443.
>
> Any ideas?
>
>
>
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