Interview Q&A / Linux & Shell
Linux & Shell interview questions
Permissions, processes, pipes and the commands you are expected to know cold.
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- What is the SUID bit, and how can passwd change root-owned files?
SUID makes an executable run with the permissions of its file owner instead of the user who launched it. passwd is owned by root with SUID set, so a normal user can update /etc/shadow through it. The bit shows as s in the owner execute slot.
IntermediateQuick answer1 min read