All Apps and Add-ons

REST API password

ccsfdave
Builder

I set the darn thing over 3 years ago and it is not any of my usual passwords. Is there a way to recover the REST API password? I am talking about the one that defaults as "changeme"

Also if I can recover it, will anything break e.g. forwarders?

Thanks!

0 Karma
1 Solution

jkat54
SplunkTrust
SplunkTrust

You can revert to the default encrypted password in $splunk_home/etc/passwd .

Just install on a test server/laptop and copy the line that is for the admin user. Then the pass will be changeme again.

Nothing will break unless you have scripts that call the API. They'll need to be updated with the new password you set.

Also the rest api pass is the same as the web ui user/passes. Just making sure you know that.

View solution in original post

jkat54
SplunkTrust
SplunkTrust

You can revert to the default encrypted password in $splunk_home/etc/passwd .

Just install on a test server/laptop and copy the line that is for the admin user. Then the pass will be changeme again.

Nothing will break unless you have scripts that call the API. They'll need to be updated with the new password you set.

Also the rest api pass is the same as the web ui user/passes. Just making sure you know that.

ccsfdave
Builder

OH if the API pwd is the same as the UI, I know that but it keeps choking on some of the special characters in my password. Do I need to escape them?

0 Karma

jkat54
SplunkTrust
SplunkTrust

Yep

 'Password\!' 

For example maybe Google "which characters to escape with curl/whatever you're using"

0 Karma

ccsfdave
Builder

Sweet,

No need to change or recover, just needed the escape characters. I am good now!

0 Karma
Got questions? Get answers!

Join the Splunk Community Slack to learn, troubleshoot, and make connections with fellow Splunk practitioners in real time!

Meet up IRL or virtually!

Join Splunk User Groups to connect and learn in-person by region or remotely by topic or industry.

Get Updates on the Splunk Community!

(re)Introducing the Splunk Community Champions + 2026 – 2027 Splunk MVPs ...

This program exists as a channel to empower and recognize Splunk advocates and help supercharge initiatives to ...

Introducing the 2026 - 2027 SplunkTrust cohort!

The goal of the SplunkTrust™ membership has historically been to acknowledge and recognize those who go above ...

Pro Tips for .conf26: How to Prep Like a Splunk Veteran

There’s no shortage of incredible content lined up for .conf26 in Denver, from deep-dive technical sessions ...