Re: Why Ext2/3 needs immutable attribute?

[Kyle Moffett]

On Apr 17, 2005, at 12:12, Xin Zhao wrote:
> Thanks for your reply.
>
> Yes. I know,  with immutable,  even root cannot modify sensitive
> files. What I am curious is if an intruder has root access, he may
> have many ways to turn off the immutable protection and modify files.
> So immutable is designed just to prevent a valid root from making
> silly mistakes?
>
> Xin

But without the proper capability, root _can't_ change the immutable
bit.  Of course, that also applies to DAC checks too.  Personally, I
find the immutable bit most useful at preventing accidents.  I have
several scripts designed specifically to access the same file, and I
want to prevent one of my admins from accidentally editing that file
by hand.  The best way is with a big comment in the file itself and
the immutable bit.

Cheers,
Kyle Moffett

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