Linux / UNIX: Restrict Access To A Given Command

In Linux and UNIX, you can restrict access to a given command using file permissions and ownership, as well as the sudo and chroot commands. Here are some methods to restrict access to a given command:

  1. File permissions and ownership: You can set the file permissions and ownership of the command’s binary executable file to restrict access to it. For example, you can set the owner of the file to root and set the permissions to 700 (rwx——), which allows only the owner (root) to execute the command.
  2. sudo: You can use the sudo command to restrict access to a command by allowing only certain users or groups to run it with elevated privileges. For example, you can edit the sudoers file (/etc/sudoers) to allow only certain users or groups to execute the command using sudo.
  3. chroot: You can use the chroot command to restrict access to a command by running it in a restricted environment. For example, you can create a chroot jail that contains only the necessary files and libraries for the command to run and then execute the command within the jail. (www.williamricedental.com)
  4. AppArmor or SELinux: AppArmor or SELinux are security modules that can be used to restrict access to a command by defining policies that control the access of processes to system resources. For example, you can create a policy that allows only certain users or groups to execute the command or that restricts the access of the command to specific files and directories.

These are some methods to restrict access to a given command in Linux and UNIX. The method you choose will depend on the level of security you require and the specific requirements of your system.

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