Security

Does Splunk Forwarder need an interactive login?

danielteachesit
New Member

All, 

I've noticed by default that Splunk Forwarder gives itself /bin/bash  in /etc/passwd. 

e.g.

splunk:x:1001:1001:Splunk Server:/opt/splunkforwarder:/bin/bash

I changed it to the below and restarted:

splunk:x:1001:1001:Splunk Server:/opt/splunkforwarder:/sbin/nologin

Best I can tell there was no impact. Scripted inputs are working as it the monitor stanza's. 

Is there any reason I should leave Splunk user with a Shell? 

 

thanks!

Labels (1)
0 Karma

gcusello
SplunkTrust
SplunkTrust

Hi @danielteachesit,

the splunk user, assigned as owner to Splunk Universal Forwarders, doesn't need the Linux shell.

I usually disable it in my production installation.

Ciao.

Giuseppe

0 Karma

isoutamo
SplunkTrust
SplunkTrust

You should also lock splunk user not only set shell to nologin. If/when need to use e.g. btool to check what those configurations are, just use "sudo -usplunk bash" command to get shell.

0 Karma

richgalloway
SplunkTrust
SplunkTrust

There is no need for the Splunk account to have a shell assigned to it.

---
If this reply helps you, Karma would be appreciated.
0 Karma
Get Updates on the Splunk Community!

Fueling your curiosity with new Splunk ILT and eLearning courses

At Splunk Education, we’re driven by curiosity—both ours and yours! That’s why we’re committed to delivering ...

Splunk AI Assistant for SPL 1.1.0 | Now Personalized to Your Environment for Greater ...

Splunk AI Assistant for SPL has transformed how users interact with Splunk, making it easier than ever to ...

Unleash Unified Security and Observability with Splunk Cloud Platform

     Now Available on Microsoft AzureOn Demand Now Step boldly into the AI revolution with enhanced security ...