[aclug-L] Re: starting pppd by a normal user

[Jeff <schaller@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Sun, 19 Sep 1999, j m wagle wrote:

> it works great. I start the connection by logging on as a super user
> and executing the following pppd:
> 
> /usr/sbin/pppd /dev/ttyS3 115200
> 
> my question:  
> can I start this with a bash file from a 'normal' (not operator or
> 'super') user?  everything I have tried has failed with the
> following message:
> 
>  must be root to run /usr/sbin/pppd, since it is not setuid-root

Option 1: setuid shell script (not a good idea)

$ su
# vi /usr/local/bin/ppp
#!/bin/sh
/usr/sbin/pppd /dev/ttyS3 115200
(save, quit)

# chmod u+x /usr/local/bin/ppp
# chmod u+s /usr/local/bin/ppp
# chmod o=rx /usr/local/bin/ppp
# exit

Option 2: root-owned and root-executable, but not other-executable
  shell script + SUDO (good idea)


-jeff
-- 
Homer: Lisa, the mob is working on getting your saxophone back.  But we've
  also expanded into other important areas. Literacy programs, preserving
  our beloved covered bridges, world domination -- Lisa: World domination?
Homer: Oh heh, that might be a typo. [Mental note: the girl knows too much]